Bang—boom—bam!
"Argh!" Lucien groaned as the blows rained down on him.
Punches slammed into his head, chest, stomach, his entire body. He could only curl up on the ground, arms raised weakly in defense.
Where had the dandy son of the Jinog family ever learned martial arts?
He hadn't.
Lucien had never learned how to fight. Even though he stood six feet tall, it meant nothing against men his height, bulkier, stronger, and armed.
He was utterly thrashed.
"Fuck… that bitch," Lucien cursed under his breath as pain tore through him.
But more than pain, what crushed him was the hopelessness. The helplessness.
His elder brother's words echoed in his mind.
"Lucien, you can't be a spoiled child forever. You'll take over the company one day—learn basic self-defense."
"Lucien, what kind of trash results are these? This is the last time I tolerate this. Do you want to disappoint Mom and Dad?"
"Lucien…"
"Lucien…"
"Lucien…"
"Ahhh—!"
Lucien's eyes snapped open as an unnatural calm filled the area.
Grrnnn.
His stomach churned violently.
Hunger.
It turned out he had lost consciousness at some point and was awakened by it.
Lucien tried to move. Pain shot through his body, forcing a groan from his lips. Still, he grit his teeth and slowly leaned against the wall.
Only then did he truly see where he was.
"Retch—"
Lucien nearly vomited.
A foul, suffocating stench filled the room, forcing him to clench his fists.
"…The toilet?" he whispered, his eyes blazing with humiliation and anger.
Low murmurs reached his ears. Through a broken section of the wall, he could see the ground floor, the place he had entered earlier.
Dim lights illuminated the area, creating a surreal, hollow atmosphere.
Couples hugged each other silently. Friends whispered about memories. Children lay on their parents' laps.
A small portion of food was distributed, and everyone ate greedily.
Lucien felt sick.
The food looked horrible even from afar.
Their bodies stank.
Of course they would.
Some still had dried blood on their clothes. Others were missing limbs. And the overpowering smell from the toilet only made it worse.
Lucien clenched his teeth.
This was too much.
"Lucien… how have you fallen to this extent?" he whispered bitterly.
He rested his head against the wall and stared at the filthy ceiling.
Three words were crudely written on it:
Power
Survival
Adaptation
"Hahaha… is this mocking me?" Lucien chuckled weakly, his breathing ragged.
His hunger only worsened.
"He's awake."
"Yeah. Would've been better if he wasn't. No food for him."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. The boss ordered it."
Lucien heard two male voices conversing nearby. His fists clenched tighter.
Who was he?
Among the rich, he had been wealthy. Among the powerful, he had held influence.
The son of the Jinog family.
Ordinary people like these wouldn't have even dreamed of meeting him before.
Yet now, he had been reduced to this.
His parents were dead.
And he was no better.
Lucien looked back at the ceiling as his clenched fists slowly loosened.
"Power…" he whispered.
Darkness claimed him once more.
*****
Sunlight pierced through the room.
Lucien felt a sharp pain—
Bang!
"Ah—!"
He opened his eyes, nearly blinded by the light.
"Who...,what?" he muttered as pain flared through his muscles. He shouldn't have moved so suddenly.
"Huh. I'm surprised you could even sleep in this junk," a voice sneered.
Lucien looked up.
A guard stood there, holding an assault rifle.
The man kicked him lightly.
"You're part of the scavenger squad. Move and join the others. Lucky for you, Madam Mai is going too. This'll be the second run today, you lot eat too much," the guard said indifferently before turning away.
Lucien stared in shock.
He still couldn't believe this was real.
What exactly had happened to the world?
Was this all a dream?
He wished it was—that he would wake up in his old life.
But fate was cruel.
Groaning, Lucien stood and followed the guard.
Outside, several people had already gathered.
Fear. Nervousness. Desperation.
Some wore suits. Others wore ordinary clothes.
But all of them looked determined.
Maybe they believed they were doing this for their families.
For their loved ones.
This was the scavenger group.
Out of the dozen guards from yesterday, only five were selected today. Each held a cold weapon.
Lucien scanned the group.
Mai wasn't there.
"Stay at the back," the apparent squad leader ordered as Lucien arrived.
The stench hit him, but he barely reacted. His mind was in chaos.
Am I really still in the real world?
This isn't a dream…
I've lost everything?
Five minutes passed before Mai arrived.
"Ohhh, you're all up already?" Mai yawned as she walked over, dressed in cute pajamas.
A pleasant perfume spread as she stretched lazily.
"Damn it…" Lucien felt like he was losing his mind.
They had been waiting, and she had just woken up?
What the hell?
"And now, give me a few minutes to change," Mai said casually before walking away.
She wasn't asking.
She was informing them.
Their opinions didn't matter.
Lucien clenched his teeth as he watched her leave.
Is this what power is?
Not money.
Not status.
But physical dominance.
With money came respect… awe… and some fear.
But this..
This was pure fear.
Everyone knew she could end their lives with a single punch.
"I want this kind of power," Lucien muttered, his eyes burning with desire.
Finally, fifteen more minutes passed before she returned.
The moment Mai appeared, almost every man froze, mouths unconsciously falling open.
She was dressed in a strikingly seductive outfit that left little to the imagination.
A tight, cropped shirt clung to her upper body, barely covering her chest and riding high enough to expose her flat stomach. The fabric strained noticeably, doing nothing to hide the generous curves it wrapped around.
Below, she wore a short black mini skirt paired with dark leggings that hugged her long, slender legs perfectly. Each step caused her hips to sway naturally, her full curves impossible to ignore.
Her hair was tied into a high ponytail today, accentuating her sharp features as she smiled casually, confident, teasing, and fully aware of the effect she was having.
"Very well, gentlemen," Mai said smoothly, her lips curving upward.
"Let's go hunting for supplies."
Her gaze flicked briefly toward Lucien.
He gritted his teeth.
Mai noticed and her smile widened.
She enjoyed this far too much.
And so, the movement began.
Today was the day they would search for supplies.
**
At the back of the group, Lucien's steps were sluggish.
The fall from being the proud son of a powerful family to a powerless nobody was something his mind still refused to fully accept.
More than once, he tried to convince himself this was all a dream.
But the pain when he pinched himself was real.
The hunger twisting violently in his stomach was real.
And the pungent stench of rotting corpses lingering in the air was undeniable.
"This is real…" Lucien concluded bitterly, the last shred of hope fading from his heart.
Around him, murmurs rose.
The more he listened, the angrier he became.
They praised Mai endlessly ,calling her a saint, an angel, openly lusting after her beauty.
If only these bastards knew, Lucien thought darkly.
She once went high and low just to please me. I've seen every inch of her body.
Ungrateful bitch.
His fists clenched.
What would he give to become an awakener too?
Was this his punishment for living such a reckless life?
Fuck… if I had power like hers…
Lucien's eyes burned with a murderous glare as he stared at Mai's back.
"We're here," Mai said softly, stopping before a large building.
"Go inside and search every corner for supplies. Don't come back empty-handed… or we might suffer, okay?"
Her voice was low, almost pleading.
It worked perfectly.
Like chickens injected with adrenaline, the group rushed inside without hesitation.
It turned out to be a massive supermarket.
Lucien hated to admit it, but it was a smart choice. Much better than blindly scavenging houses.
"You ..move."
Lucien snapped back to reality as a guard shoved him forward, his expression cold.
"I—" Lucien opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Then, that familiar voice intervened.
"Leave him," Mai said calmly.
"He won't do anything. Besides… I still have unfinished business with him."
The guard froze, then bowed slightly before stepping back to monitor the others.
Soon, the open space was empty.
Only Lucien and Mai remained.
Silence stretched between them.
Lucien clenched his teeth.
What else does this bitch want now?
"Lucien," Mai finally said.
He looked at her.
"I thought you'd scream like yesterday," she chuckled.
"Rage. Curse at me. Try to attack me."
Lucien's body trembled.
"I guess you're either smarter than I thought… or that's all it takes to silence a pampered young master."
His eyes flared.
"Well," she added, wrinkling her nose,
"you do stink."
"Thanks to you," Lucien shot back.
Mai laughed.
"You're right. But you must be wondering—why I did that to you, right?"
Lucien stiffened.
Yes.
Why?
Mai's expression slowly grew serious.
"Ever since I gained this power, I realized something," she said.
"The world has changed. Even if I'm the only one like this now, there will be others. People stronger than me."
She paused.
"So I asked myself—if you were in my place, what would you do?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You'd build a shelter. You'd gather people. You'd create power from the very beginning."
She smiled faintly.
"So I did exactly that. And honestly… I'm starting to like it."
Her tone shifted.
"But power," she continued, "is intoxicating. If I didn't make it clear that you weren't in charge… I would eventually become your subordinate again."
Her gaze hardened.
"And I'm tired of that, Lucien. I don't want to be under anyone anymore."
She stepped closer.
"So… I apologize for yesterday."
Lucien's eyes narrowed.
At least she had her reasons.
Whether they were cruel or logical didn't matter anymore.
The truth was simple.
The world had changed.
Those with power would rule.
Those without would kneel.
"Lucien…" Mai said softly, her eyes filled with desire as she bit her lower lip.
"How could I lose such a fine man like you?"
"I feel nothing for you now," Lucien replied coldly.
Mai didn't retreat.
Instead—
"Ah—"
Lucien gasped as her hand suddenly grabbed him.
"You say that," Mai whispered, squeezing lightly,
"but your body is far more honest than your mouth."
Lucien clenched his jaw and turned away, breathing heavily.
"I would've kissed you," she added casually, stepping back,
"if you didn't smell this bad."
Lucien exhaled slowly.
What a lustful bitch…
"As long as you know your position and obey me," Mai said with a chuckle,
"everything will be fine."
Lucien rolled his eyes.
Then—
A scream echoed.
Both of them turned sharply.
BANG!
Smoke billowed forward.
Heavy footsteps followed.
Low growls filled the air.
"Grrr—"
"Graaah—"
"Raaawww—"
The smoke cleared.
Nearly a hundred figures emerged, rushing forward with twisted bodies and blood-soaked faces.
"…Zombies?" Lucien whispered, stunned.
"Shit—let's run!" he shouted instinctively.
But Mai didn't move.
Instead, she smiled.
"I was wondering where they went," she muttered.
"Perfect timing."
She clenched her fists.
Her high heels pressed firmly into the ground as she lowered her stance.
"What are you doing?!" Lucien shouted in shock.
"You'll see," Mai replied calmly—then moved.
She didn't charge.
She flowed.
Her body blurred forward, slicing into the horde like a hot knife through butter.
A single step her fist snapped out.
CRACK!
A zombie's head exploded like rotten fruit.
She twisted, spun low, and swept her leg.
Three zombies were cut down at the knees before they even realized they were dead.
Her movements were clean. Efficient. Beautifully lethal.
Every strike killed.
No hesitation. No wasted motion.
Punch.
Kick.
Elbow.
Bodies flew.
Bones shattered.
Necks snapped.
Lucien stood frozen.
His mind refused to process what his eyes were seeing.
Is this… the power of an awakened person?
Zombies rushed her from all directions.
It didn't matter.
Mai tore through them like a storm given flesh ripping, smashing, crushing. Her fists glowed faintly with pulsing energy as she drove through the horde, blood splattering the cracked asphalt.
In less than five minutes
Silence.
Nearly a hundred zombies lay motionless, their bodies torn apart.
Mai stood at the center, breathing lightly.
Unhurt.
Unstained.
Alive.
The scavenger team finally emerged from the supermarket with bags of supplies. The guards followed close behind.
When they saw the scene
They froze.
Then cheers erupted.
Claps rang out.
"Boss Mai!"
"She's incredible!"
"A monster slayer!"
Mai smiled.
She flicked her ponytail back, basking in their admiration like it was natural—like she was born for it.
Even Lucien felt a strange tightening in his chest.
…She's strong.
Then—
"WATCH OUT!"
The shout tore through the air.
A massive shadow fell over Mai.
Her heart skipped.
Danger.
She twisted instantly to the right.
Too late.
CRACK—!
A horrifying impact echoed.
"Aaaah!"
Mai was sent flying.
Her body slammed hard against the ground, skidding several meters before stopping.
Her left arm bent at an unnatural angle.
Broken.
Silence fell.
Everyone stared in horror.
Standing there was a monster unlike the others.
Seven feet tall.
Bulky.
Its muscles bulged unnaturally beneath gray, decaying flesh. Its eyes burned crimson, filled with intelligence—and hunger.
It raised one arm.
Just one casual swipe.
And it had nearly killed Mai.
If she had been even a fraction slower—
She would be dead.
Lucien's blood ran cold.
Mai groaned, pain flooding her vision as the guards rushed to her side.
Fear spread like wildfire among the scavengers.
Then—
Mai spoke.
Her voice was strained, but firm.
"Retreat."
Panic exploded.
Before anyone could move—
A scream rang out.
A human vanished in a blur.
Blood sprayed.
No one even saw how fast it moved.
The elite zombie stood over the corpse, chewing slowly.
Crunch.
Crack.
Crunch.
Mai's eyes hardened.
"Shoot anyone who retreats with us," she ordered coldly.
"Even him."
Lucien's heart sank.
The guards didn't hesitate.
They pulled back with Mai.
Leaving the rest behind.
Leaving Lucien behind.
The monster lifted its head, red eyes locking onto the remaining humans.
Chaos erupted.
People ran.
Screams filled the air.
Lucien ran too—hatred burning in his chest.
Mai… I'll never forgive you.
Then—
The ground beneath him collapsed.
The world flipped.
Darkness swallowed him.
---
When Lucien woke up—
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
He tried to move.
Pain exploded through his body.
He looked down.
His leg was pinned beneath a massive boulder.
Crushed.
Trapped.
Blood seeped slowly into the rubble.
Lucien laughed weakly.
Then stopped.
Regret flooded him.
His life.
His choices.
His weakness.
If only I had power…
Tears slipped down his face as his vision blurred.
If only…
"If only I were an awakener… if only I had chosen differently… if only…"
Lucien would give anything for power even if it meant standing against the entire world.
His consciousness began to fade, his thoughts sinking into endless darkness.
Just then, a cold mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[APOCALYPSE STARTED]
[HOST FOUND]
[CONDITIONS FOR AWAKENING MET]
[Congratulations, Host, for awakening the Villain Lust System]
"Ehn… do you still hallucinate when you're dead?" Lucien muttered with a weak chuckle.
[Negative, Host. You are still alive but not for long. I can only keep your heart running for three more minutes. You have three minutes to decide how to survive.]
"Huh… say what now?"
Under normal circumstances, Lucien would never have believed this. But so much had happened in a single day that he was ready to believe anything.
"If that's the case… then what exactly are you, and what's your function?" Lucien asked, recalling the system novels he had read.
[The Villain Lust System is a golden opportunity granted to the Host. In the apocalypse, humanity is given a chance to evolve, but only a few are chosen. The Host is one of them. Awakenings are divided into two paths: Physical Awakening and Auxiliary Awakening—]
"Wait, wait, wait—can we talk about that later? I'm dying here. Is there any way out?" Lucien interrupted, suddenly remembering his predicament.
[Very well. Host, you have been chosen as the villain of this world. Your sworn brother is one of the protagonists. That is why, no matter what you do, events always turn against you. You are fated to be a villain. However, being a villain does not mean being stepped on.]
[With the Villain Lust System, the Host can change his fate through sex. Yes—every time the Host has sex with an Awakener or a Protagonist (Heroine), the Host gains SP (Sexual Points). These points can be used in the System Mall to purchase items ranging from healing potions to awakening potions and terrifying weapons.]
"Oh… I see. If that's true, then I can awaken and survive, right? Or at least buy a healing potion. How many Sexual Points do I have?" Lucien asked quickly.
[Zero at the moment.]
"Shit. Doesn't that mean I'm going to die? What kind of fucked-up system is this?" Lucien snarled.
[Host has newbie gifts. Does the Host wish to open them?]
"Yes! System, yes!" Lucien said hurriedly.
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining two potions: Healing Potion and Awakener Potion.]
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a skill: (Appraisal skill)]
"Good. Use the Healing Potion and the Awakener Potion—now!" Lucien ordered.
His body weakened rapidly. His vision blurred. Even speaking became difficult.
[Ding. Installation commencing.]
"H-how long—"
"Arghhh!"
Lucien screamed as pain exploded through his body. His wounds healed rapidly, but that wasn't all. His pores and cells seemed to burst open as warm energy flooded him, baptizing his entire being.
Boom!
The massive boulder cracked and shattered.
Lucien stood up.
His eyes glowed a dim blue as a grin spread across his face.
"I… I've become an awakener?" Lucien asked, stunned.
[Congratulations to the Host for becoming a Beginner-Level Awakener.]
Hearing the system's prompt, Lucien laughed softly.
His body felt overflowing with boundless energy.
"System… you said I can gain Sexual Points by having sex with awakeners?" Lucien asked, smiling.
[Yes, Host.]
"Haha… then I already have the perfect target," Lucien said, his smile turning cold.