While walking down the corridor, Ethan's gaze fixated on the hovering screen before him. It followed his every movement, always in his line of sight. The screen had a dark background with a simple title at the center: "Shadowforge Matrix."
Beneath the title, a sentence caught his attention. It read, “It's not about good or evil; a true villain benefits from both sides.”
‘Interesting,’ Ethan thought, as the title faded away, replaced by blocks of text. A robotic female voice provided further explanation.
[This system is fused with the host's soul, designed to fulfill the potential and desires of both Ethan and Lionel,] the voice said. [To understand why the system exists, the host can explore the message tab later. It is highly recommended to do so after this.]
[The primary function of the system is to utilize other cultivators' shadowborne to empower the host. The soul's Nyx energy will be converted into forge points, which can be used for unlocking hidden abilities and accessing forbidden knowledge.
Nyx energy is the inherent energy produced by every soul. It is a raw and unrefined form of energy residing in the nexus, where the soul resides. Its main purpose is to maintain balance in the body by consuming the naturally occurring corruptive forces of the shadowborne.
Left untouched, Nyx energy can assist the cultivator in various ways. However, due to its untamed nature, it lacks stability for easy manipulation and control. Therefore, most cultivators who attempt to utilize Nyx may encounter unintended consequences.
The stronger the influence of shadowborne on the cultivator, the more nyx energy is generated to counteract the highly toxic corruptive energy emitted by the shadowborne. Without this counterbalance, it wouldn't take long for the cultivator to transform into a malevolent entity, devoid of their soul.
As a result, the host has two main choices: to enhance the influence of shadowborne within a cultivator or strategically reduce and eliminate corruptive influence in specific situations. Opting for the second choice will yield fewer forge points compared to intensifying corruption, as the production of nyx energy will be lower.]
Then, the voice proceeded to explain Ethan's task in simpler terms. Essentially, the primary "objective" of shadowborne was to corrupt a cultivator through any means necessary and ultimately transform them into an entity. However, this entity differed from a soulless malevolent being. It was an entity that shared the same nature as the cultivator's shadowborne.
Emotions, both negative and positive, played a significant role in this process. The shadowborne would occasionally present temptations, offering shortcuts to power or the fulfillment of selfish desires. Yielding to these temptations would hasten the corruption.
Ethan's role, therefore, was to act like a shadowborne. He had to manipulate people in order to obtain their energies. Even a surge of intense emotion for a brief period could grant him forge points, although the amount would be minimal. However, in doing so, Ethan had to ensure that he did not become corrupted by his own shadowborne.
The system voice continued in its monotonous tone, [Host, how would you like me to address you?]
'Ethan. But when giving me information, you can use 'you',' he replied.
[Affirmative...]
There was a brief silence, followed by a sudden exclamation.
[Congratulations, Ethan! You are now eligible to receive the beginners pack. Please note that the pack will contain two randomly assigned abilities specifically designed to assist you. Would you like to open it?]
'Yes,' Ethan replied eagerly.
[Opening...]
[...]
The voice continued, [Abilities received.
Nyx Perception:
Ethan, with this ability, you will be able to sense the flow of nyx energy within cultivators. It allows you to perceive and assess the impact of shadowborne on them. Upon activation, a number ranging from 0 to 100 will appear above the cultivator's head, indicating their level of corruption.
The higher the number, the easier it will be for you to acquire forge points from them. By utilizing this ability, you can plan who and when to target. However, exercise caution! High corruption also means that the cultivator's actions become unpredictable. Ideally, cultivators within the range of 50 to 70 should be your prime targets.
Please note that Nyx Perception is only effective on cultivators whose cultivation is at most two stages higher than your own.
Subtle Corruptive Influence Mark:
You can implant a mark similar to the echo of shadowborne, which is difficult to detect. This mark will slowly consume the nyx energy released by the soul. As a result, the soul will generate more nyx energy to maintain balance with the shadowborne, creating an endless stream of forge points.
It is crucial that the mark absorbs only a small amount of nyx energy to prevent the cultivator from being corrupted by the toxins of the shadowborne.
Over time, you will gain influence over the cultivator and be able to manipulate them to fulfill your desires. Once the mark is in place, tracing it will prove challenging for the cultivator, much like the shadow mark.
However, be cautious, as there is a risk of being caught while placing the mark on the soul. Additionally, if the cultivator possesses strong spiritual perception, they may detect the influence mark later on.
So Ethan, use your wits and strategies to triumph above them all! ]
'Woah, using these abilities will certainly be challenging and enjoyable. Now, let's see...' Ethan's excitement was cut short as he arrived at his destination. He let out a sigh and proceeded to enter the black door.
• • •
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Avelyn's erratic behavior made sense to Ethan. With a corruption level of sixty or above, it was understandable. Ethan nodded and replied, "It's located in the center of your forehead."
Avelyn responded, "I already know of that. Is there anything else you see?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes, as if concentrating, but inwardly he strategized, 'I need to earn her trust. Instead of being a mere tool for her, I must make her reliant on me. Then, depending on the situation, I can either kill her or use her. I can also make a deal with her. Though, given her nature, establishing a cooperative relationship seems highly unlikely.'
Ethan proceeded to inform Avelyn about a few other locations, some of which were deceptive, but to his surprise, she had already discovered the genuine ones. In certain instances, he even had to touch specific spots on her body. Thankfully, as part of the group assigned to eliminate her in the game, he was familiar with these locations.
Still, he frowned, thinking, 'She possesses remarkable perception. Placing the influence mark will prove challenging, and there's a possibility she might uncover it later. Ugh, why does this woman have to be so difficult? To be cautious, I should take another step back. Alright, what was the next point...?' Bitterly, he recalled it and realized, 'This one will be particularly challenging.'
"Um, Avelyn, this is the last one, alright?" Ethan spoke tentatively as Avelyn wore a contemplative expression and absentmindedly nodded.
Taking a deep breath, Ethan continued, "It's on your lips."
Avelyn snapped out of her thoughts and suddenly stood up, coming eye-to-eye with him. His lips twitched, feeling her proximity, just inches away. The scent of lavender wafted into his nostrils, triggering a subtle change in his body—an alarming sense of excitement.
Rather than backing away, Ethan scowled at her. "I'm here to help you, so what are you trying to do..."
"With your body?" Avelyn finished his sentence, flashing a seductive smile. Stepping back, she giggled, "You're quite perceptive to notice the change."
With her hands behind her back, she tilted her head and stared into Ethan's eyes, unblinking. "But it's not because of anything I've done. Lionel was a trash who used to take drugs. The heightened response of your body in my close presence is merely a side effect of those drugs still in your system."
Although Ethan listened to her explanation, his focus remained on the number above her head, which had increased to 62.
Ethan would have been perplexed by the sudden change if Avelyn hadn't revealed the answer herself. Despite Avelyn's composed expression and body language, Ethan concluded that she, too, used to take drugs.
"Can you tell me more about this drug?" Ethan inquired.
Avelyn shook her head and replied, "First, let's focus on the task at hand."
Nodding, Ethan touched the inner part of his lips on the right side. "Alright?"
Avelyn shrugged and retorted, "I don't know. You touch it for me."
Ethan masked his surprise, recognizing that Avelyn was being influenced by her shadowborne. This unexpected revelation made things easier for him. He feigned reluctance, prompting Avelyn to roll her eyes playfully. With a forceful motion, she brought his right hand close to her face, eliciting a sigh from Ethan.
He touched his finger to the designated spot, feeling the softness of her lips. Her tongue brushed against his finger, sending a tingling sensation through his body. Her seductive gaze and warm breath intensified his physical response as she nibbled on his finger provocatively.
Just as he was about to retract his finger, the enchantress pushed his hand away herself. Her captivating gaze shifted to a focused one as she searched for the non-existent shadow mark.
Naturally, Ethan had deceived her to test the situation. His intuition proved correct as he observed the number above her head increase to '66'.
Still, Ethan couldn't help but be impressed by her sudden change in expressions and her ability to maintain control over the situation. It was both intriguing and somewhat unsettling.
'Gotta admit, there's a certain charm to her...' Ethan thought, and then felt a hint of alarm. Lionel's shadowborne was already starting to affect him, and he needed to be cautious.
Ethan decided to utilize the nyx perception ability on himself at a later time, but he still needed to figure out how he would be able to see it.
In the present moment, Avelyn looked back at him with a playful smile. "You naughty boy, there's no soul mark there. Did you really dare to sexually harass me~?"
Shaking his head, Ethan replied, "It's not the first time I've been wrong. And let's not forget who was biting my finger and giving me that hungry look."
Avelyn burst into laughter and nodded in agreement. "Fair point." Suddenly, she instructed, "Alright, now come and sit in my chair."
"What?" Ethan questioned, puzzled by her request.
"Just do as I say," Avelyn insisted.
Ethan frowned but complied, taking a seat in Avelyn's chair. He felt her presence behind him, her hands resting on his shoulders. 'What is she planning now?' he wondered, unsure of her intentions.
To his surprise, the mysterious woman began skillfully massaging his shoulders. After a moment of silence, Ethan decided to bring up the topic of making a deal with Avelyn. However, before he could even finish his sentence, she interrupted him.
"We'll talk about it later," she said dismissively, giving him the impression that she wasn't taking his proposal seriously.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder about Avelyn's nonchalant attitude, especially considering that she knew about all the shadow marks. This realization made him question how the other players in the game were even able to injure her.
Then it dawned on him that she had likely allowed them to do so intentionally, luring them towards her to eliminate or manipulate them using sinister means. Such a scary woman she was.
Taking a deep breath, Ethan tried to stay composed. His past experiences of life and death situations had taught him to remain calm in such circumstances. Ironically, Avelyn's skilled massage technique also helped to soothe his nerves.
Reconsidering his options, Ethan realized that using the subtle corruptive influence mark on Avelyn would be an incredibly dangerous move. For now, he would have to carefully observe her actions and devise his own plans accordingly.
"Avelyn, what now?" Ethan inquired.
"Let me explain why I said we'll discuss making a deal later. It's related to the room you were in," Avelyn replied, causing Ethan to recall the peculiar dream he had experienced. An uneasy feeling washed over him as he wondered if somehow she was able to see or know about his dreams.
Ethan rummaged through his memory and recalled a unique type of wood called Hibiscus that could induce sleep when near it. People would have dreams of their old memories, while the shadowborne would also influence the dream, turning it into a nightmarish experience that mixed reality with deep-rooted fears.
Legend of Eternia had so many details that Ethan couldn't possibly remember every single one. Even if he did remember the Hibiscus wood, he wondered what he could do with that knowledge.
Avelyn continued massaging him while sweetly explaining the room they were in. Ethan's suspicion was confirmed when she mentioned that Elder Riaz's decision to use the dream room was flawed.
She emphasized that the protective charm placed on Lionel's body by someone named Rolf was much more complex than Elder Riaz believed.
‘Rolf? That's the Grand Elder of this sect. Isn't he in the sixth stage? One of the top ten cultivators in the Empire of Austin. If Lionel was under his protection, how did Avelyn dare to kill him in the game storyline? But that's not important right now.’
Avelyn giggled mischievously. “But because of that ‘poor’ decision, things will get interesting now. You had five dreams and all of them were recorded. I also haven’t watched them yet so let’s do it together!”
‘F-five? I only remember one.’ The memories that appeared in the dream might even be of Ethan observing the loading screen back in that room! If Avelyn found out about it then his situation would worsen!
Ethan immediately made a decision and voluntarily increased his heart beat. His face showed a worried expression.
Things might get worse but that didn’t mean he’d panic. Still, he had to act and appear realistic.
“Isn’t it fun? They will be completely random. You will be able to see your cherished memories again. And if I don’t see anything suspicious in your dream then you will get the ticket to save your life. But if I do see something then…”
Avelyn bent down, pressing her soft body on him and circled her arms around his neck. She could feel his racing heart.
‘Finally showing some real reaction, huh? Such a cute guy. Is it because you are hiding something from me~. Or is it because you don’t really like this uncertain moment~.’
Thinking about it, Avelyn burst into melodious laughter. “Let’s see your dreams then!”