The last thing I remember from my old life was hearing brakes screech and seeing bright headlights through the rain. Then everything went black.
Pretty pathetic way to go for someone like me—twenty-six, never had a girlfriend, stuck in a boring office job, and apparently too dumb to look before crossing the street.
So when I woke up staring at a wooden ceiling instead of hospital lights, I wasn't scared or confused. I was just annoyed.
"Great. Even dying sucks."
I sat up and looked around. Stone walls, wooden beams, and a window showing nothing but thick forest.
The air smelled like pine and campfire smoke—totally different from the city pollution I was used to. My body felt... weird. Stronger. Like I'd been working out for months instead of living on energy drinks and instant food.
"Where the hell am I?"
[Welcome, Raven Blackthorne. You have been chosen.]
A woman's voice spoke right inside my head, smooth and kind of sexy. I almost fell out of the rough bed I was lying on.
"Chosen for what? And who are you?"
[Your old life is over. Your new one starts now in the world of Vaelthara. You have... special qualities that will be useful here.]
I laughed. "Special qualities? Lady, I was a nobody. A twenty-six-year-old loser who spent his time playing video games and watching porn. What's special about that?"
[Your frustration. Your desires. Your hidden potential. All of it will help you here. But first, you need to build your foundation.]
The air shimmered, and a glowing blue screen appeared—just like in the video games I used to play. Three options pulsed in front of me.
[Here are your three starting abilities:]
Enhanced Body (SSS Rank) - Incredible strength, speed, and toughness
Endless Energy (SSS Rank) - Your body never gets tired
Master Swordsman (SSS Rank) - You instantly know how to use any blade
"SSS rank?" I muttered. "Someone's been playing too many games." But I touched each option anyway. Power rushed through me—not just physical strength, but something deeper that made my blood race with excitement.
[These are just extras. Your real gift is something else.]
"Which is?"
[You'll find out soon enough. For now, rest. Your new life begins when she gets here.]
Before I could ask what that meant, the voice disappeared, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
I flexed my hands, amazed at the strength I could feel in my muscles. Whatever happened to me, wherever I was, this was already way better than my old life.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts, then a wooden door creaked open.
"Oh! You're awake!"
The woman who walked in made my heart skip a beat. She was gorgeous in that magical, otherworldly way that made regular women look plain.
Her pointy elf's ears, and her silver-blonde hair. That simple dress? It hugged her killer curves—big, round boobs, that could make any guy's head spin.
But it wasn't just how she looked—it was how she reacted to seeing me. Her eyes went wide as they took in my shirtless body. Her cheeks turned pink, and I could actually hear her breath catch.
That's when I felt it. Like invisible strings connecting us. I could sense her heartbeat getting faster, could almost feel her confusion at her own reaction.
"I'm Lyralei," she said, putting a hand on her chest like she was trying to calm down. "My husband found you passed out in the Whispering Woods three days ago. You were... in pretty bad shape."
"Lyralei," I repeated, letting her hear how much I liked her name. "That's beautiful."
Those simple words hit her hard. She actually swayed a little, grabbing the doorframe to steady herself. "I... thank you. That's really sweet of you to say."
But her eyes told a different story. They said she wanted to hear more, wanted to come closer, wanted things she probably didn't even understand.
[Do you feel it?] the voice whispered in my head. [The connection between you? She's already falling for your power.]
"Your husband," I said carefully, "he's not here?"
"Aldric is away on patrol. He's a knight-captain, very serious about his job." Something in her voice—not quite anger, but definitely loneliness. "He's been gone two weeks this time."
Two weeks. I could work with that.
"That must be tough," I said, letting real sympathy show in my voice. "Being alone so much. A woman like you shouldn't have to spend her nights wondering when her husband will come home."
She blinked fast, like she was waking up from a dream. "I... I should let you rest. You must still be recovering." But she didn't move. Couldn't move, it seemed, her eyes locked on mine.
"Actually, I feel great. Better than I have in years." I stood up slowly, watching how her eyes followed every movement. "Maybe you could show me around? I don't want to be a burden without knowing where I am."
"Of course," she said quickly, almost eagerly. "But first, you must be hungry. I'll make you something."
As she hurried to the door, I caught her stealing one last look over her shoulder. The hunger in her eyes had nothing to do with food.
[Well done,] the voice said as she went down the stairs. [You're starting to understand your gift.]
"Which is?"
[In your old world, women ignored you. You had no power. Here, you're irresistible. Every woman who sees you will feel the pull. Every relationship you touch will weaken. Every heart you claim will make you stronger.]
I grinned, feeling something dark and hungry wake up inside me. "And Lyralei?"
[Is married to a man who takes her for granted. She's lonely, ignored, ready to fall. But be careful—her husband is a knight-captain. Cross him too openly, and you'll end up dead.]
Looking toward the door where she'd gone, I felt real power for the first time in this new world. In my old life, women looked right through me. Now, I could see the want in Lyralei's eyes, could feel her attraction like something real.
The smell of cooking drifted up from below, along with soft humming. She was happy—probably happier than she'd been in weeks, just from a few minutes with a man who actually paid attention to her.
I put on the simple shirt that was folded on a chair and headed downstairs. Time to see just how far this new power could take me.
After all, I had a knight's wife to seduce, and apparently all the time in the world to do it.
[Your training starts now,] the voice whispered as I reached for the door. [Try not to let me down.]
I smiled. For the first time in my life—or death—I didn't think letting anyone down would be a problem.
Status Update:
•Lyralei Affection: 15/100 (Interested)
•Lyralei Corruption: 5/100 (Slightly attracted)
•Territory Control: Moonwhisper Cottage (5%)