The next morning, Velas awoke with a purpose.
His body had almost fully recovered. His muscles no longer ached. The bruises had faded to mere shadows. But it wasn't just healing that made him feel… alive.
It was the System.
---
[Lust Energy: 25%]
Quest: The Forbidden Flame
Progress: 0.25 / 1 Sexual Conquest
Reward: Incubus Form (Partial)
New Ability Available Upon Completion: Touch of Desire (Lv. 1)
---
Velas stretched his limbs, flexing fingers that were once broken. Power was trickling into him—subtle, seductive, promising more. But the system was clear.
He needed a first conquest.
And there was only one target in reach: Mara.
By now, he knew her rhythm. She came every morning, pretending to clean, whispering lies to the maids and sneaking past prying eyes. She lingered longer each time. Her touches lasted an extra second. Her gaze no longer darted away so quickly.
She was ready.
And today, he would claim her.
The trapdoor creaked open like clockwork. Soft footsteps followed.
Velas didn't move.
He sat, half-dressed, head tilted against the stone wall, golden eyes watching her descend.
Mara paused halfway down the stairs, her eyes drinking him in. She quickly looked away, cheeks flushed.
"You're still here," she whispered.
"You were hoping I wouldn't be?"
She smiled faintly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "You're always so sure of yourself."
"I only say what's true."
He stood and walked toward her, unhurried. She didn't back away this time.
Velas reached out, gently brushing dust from her shoulder. "And truth is, I owe you."
"For what?"
"For saving me. For feeding me. For seeing me when no one else did."
Mara's breath caught. "I didn't do it for a reward."
"I know," Velas murmured. "But I still want to give you something."
She blinked. "What?"
He leaned in, so close his lips were almost on her ear.
"Me."
---
[Lust Energy: 35%]
Emotional Barrier: Breached
Desire Response Detected – Will Resistance: Low
Progress to Unlock: 0.35 / 1
---
She didn't pull away.
Velas's hand slid to her waist, pulling her close. Their bodies pressed together. His lips brushed her neck—soft at first, then firmer. Mara gasped.
"Velas…"
"Say stop," he whispered.
She didn't.
His hands were fire. His touch made her tremble. Her fingers clutched his shoulders as her lips finally found his.
The kiss started soft, uncertain—but Velas deepened it, guiding her. Heat bloomed between them. Her hands moved instinctively, caressing his back, trailing down.
He pressed her gently against the wall, letting his mouth explore her skin, tasting the curve of her collarbone.
Clothes rustled.
Breath quickened.
She was his now.
---
[System Alert – Lust Energy: 100%]
First Conquest Complete.
Reward Unlocked: Partial Incubus Form
Trait Gained: Touch of Desire (Lv. 1)
— Your touch now naturally arouses targets with low resistance.
+1 Charm
Incubus Traits Unlocked: Eyes of Temptation (Passive)
— Your golden eyes exert a hypnotic allure on sexually attracted targets.
---
Mara lay breathless beneath him, her body flushed, her hair tangled.
Velas exhaled deeply. The change was immediate—his senses sharpened. He could hear the blood rush in her veins. Feel the heat in her skin. See the faint trail of energy she left behind, like a fading ember of desire.
The Incubus inside him stirred.
It wasn't monstrous. It was intoxicating. Natural. Like slipping into a forgotten skin.
He stood, dressing slowly as Mara pulled her blouse back into place, cheeks burning red.
"That was…" she started, unable to finish.
Velas leaned down, kissed her forehead, and said, "The beginning."
She looked up at him, dazed. "Are you going to leave now?"
"Not yet," he said. "But soon. I have work to do."
"Will I see you again?"
He didn't answer.
Because the truth was, he wasn't done with her… but she was no longer the goal.
She was just the first step.
---
As Mara left the cellar, Velas turned to the empty space and whispered, "System."
---
[Incubus King's Legacy – Online]
Class: Incubus (Unsealed: 5%)
Charm: 2 (Human Limit: 10)
Skills: Touch of Desire (Lv. 1)
Traits: Eyes of Temptation (Passive), Persuasion (Lv. 1)
Current Lust Energy: 0%
Next Goal: 3 Sexual Conquests (0 / 3)
Reward: Dream Manipulation (Lv. 1), Unseal Progress +10%
---
Velas smiled coldly.
Three more.
Then more after that.
He would not only rise again. He would rule again. With flesh and flame. With charm and sin.
The world had tried to kill the Incubus King.
But he was still here.
And his hunger was only just awakening.