The main hall of the mansion smelled of old wood, burned wax, and the faint scent of dried herbs hanging from the beams. Faded tapestries on the walls depicted ancient aerial battles family ancestors who once had decent airships and mana to burn. Now everything was dust and decay, just like the rest of our lives.
My mother made me sit in a hard chair beside the head table, servants bringing watered-down wine, dried fruit, and hard bread—the best our poor barony could offer without looking outright miserable. She settled into the high seat, posture straight as a queen, eyes fixed on me like I was a brand-new airship she was appraising for price.
"Tell me everything, Shade. The entire First Nightmare. What did you see inside? What kind of powers did the Aspect give you? Precise details—we need to know how to use this."
Her eyes gleamed with naked ambition. Jenna approached slowly, arms crossed beneath her breasts, a sarcastic, superior smile on her painted lips. My younger brothers, the idiot twins watched silently from the corner, envy stamped on their plain faces.
Jenna couldn't resist and let out a sharp laugh.
"Yes, tell us all about it, mob brother. How did a useless piece of shit like you survive? You must have begged the monsters or done something equally pathetic."
The servants lowered their eyes, pretending to be busy, but the air grew heavy with whispers. I hesitated, mind racing. I couldn't reveal anything about the sexual system—it's forbidden to speak details of Aspects to anyone, an unwritten law among the Awakened. If word got out that my power depends on fucking to survive… I'd become a joke, a target, or a sex slave to some sadistic noblewoman.
"It was… a harsh trial. Environment like the central academy, echoes of nobles and challenges. I survived through luck and smarts. The Aspect is… personal. Defective Divine rank, like the registrar said."
My mother frowned, impatient.
"Personal? Don't be vague, Shade. We need to know if it's combat, support, elemental magic… Something that will attract good heiresses for alliances. With an Awakened in the family, we can aim higher than local viscounts."
Jenna snorted, stepping closer, her strong floral perfume invading my space.
"Defective, Mother. Probably something useless, like healing plants or attracting mosquitoes. Our mob here has always been the worst of the litter."
The heat rose in my veins again—not just anger; the system whispering, desire stirring. Points: 3320 now. Ticking down. The dark-haired servant—Lila, I vaguely remembered—was still nearby, the pitcher trembling slightly in her hands. Eyes downcast, but I could see the flush on her cheeks.
The interface flashed teasingly: [Potential elevated task: Prolonged contact with virgin commoner — 100 points. Kiss: +50 extra. (Imagine how she tastes, sweet and innocent…)]
Fuck, shut up. But my body reacted, cock slowly hardening beneath the new tunic. The Beast brushing the edges, hunger growing.
I forced a neutral smile for my mother.
"I can't give exact details. Awakened rules—secret until death. But it's strong enough to keep me alive in the next Nightmares."
She narrowed her eyes but nodded slowly, calculating.
"Fine. For now. We'll send you to the central guild to register formally and announce it. Maybe it'll draw attention from the academy. Heiresses need loyal Awakened for aerial duels and ruin explorations. You could be useful there."
Useful. Always useful. In this world, men like me are just pieces on their board.
Jenna leaned in closer, voice low and provocative.
"Be careful not to fuck it all up, mob. If your Aspect is shit, you'll end up a slave to some horny duchess."
Her words hit deep—the fucking irony, considering my system. The heat exploded, vision blurring for a second. [Alert: Beast awakening imminent if desire not sated.]
Shit. Not here. Not now.
I stood abruptly.
"I need to rest. The Nightmare drained me."
My mother waved dismissively.
"Go. Tomorrow we plan the next steps. And train—there are ancient ruins in the northern part of the island. Lost items, maybe. Poor nobles like us have to explore to climb."
Ruins. Like in the script I knew—islands with relics from past eras, guarded by corroded robots or beasts. Dangerous as fuck, but items sell well. Or grant power.
I climbed the stairs to my old room—small, cracked window overlooking the dry fields. I shut the door, leaned against the wall, breathing heavy.
Points: 3290.
The timer to level 2 still far off, but the drain was killing me slowly. I needed real points. Now.
A soft knock at the door. Lila entered hesitantly, carrying a towel and a basin of warm water—my mother's order to "take care of the new Awakened."
"Y-young master Shade… to clean yourself."
She was young, about seventeen, curvy body beneath the simple uniform, smooth dark skin, nervous brown eyes. Virgin, the system confirmed with a flash.
[Task: Intimate touch — 150 points. Full sex: 400+ (virgin bonus). (She wants it, deep down. Take her.)]
The heat won. I stepped forward slowly, closing the door behind her.
"Lila… you've always been kind to me."
She blushed hard but didn't pull away. Hands trembling, but eyes curious.
I pulled her gently, mouth finding hers. Sweet, inexperienced. She moaned softly, body molding to mine.
Clothes fell. Hot skin, firm breasts, muffled moans as I took her on the old bed.
Points climbed fast: +50 kiss, +200 touches, +500 virgin penetration.
[Congratulations: First real partner. Permanent multipliers unlocked if repeated.]
When it was over, she lay panting beside me, eyes glazed—already addicted, the system whispered.
Points: 4200.
Temporary relief. But the Beast wanted more. Always more.
Outside, the sun was setting. Tomorrow: ruins. Academy. The real world.
I was going to devour everything to survive.