I sat back on the edge of the bed, my cheek still stinging from the slap.
Not because it hurt.
But because it reminded me—this wasn't just a new life.
This was war.
If I wanted to rise, if I wanted revenge on those who betrayed me, then I had to start from the bottom all over again. In a body the world had already written off. As a prince without power.
But I had something they didn't.
I had the system.
[System: Lust and Blood successfully activated.]
"Alright," I said aloud. "Tell me what you really are. And how exactly I'm supposed to use you."
[I am the Lust and Blood System. A unique fusion system that converts primal energy into power.]
"Primal?"
[Energy from two sources: sexual conquest and beast blood. Every woman you claim unlocks a unique passive trait. Every beast you slay and consume grants you raw strength.]
I blinked. "Wait—you're telling me I level up by... sleeping with women and killing monsters?"
[Affirmative.]
"That's insane."
[Is it? You were betrayed by so-called brothers, even after climbing to Emperor level the traditional way. This time, you don't need loyalty. You need dominance.]
My lips curled into a small smirk.
It was mad. It was obscene. It was brutal.
But it was perfect.
"Alright, System. Show me."
[Accessing Status Panel...]
A soft screen appeared in my mind's eye.
[Raiden Kurogami (Host: Rei Tsukasa)]
Level: 1
Power Type: Locked
Affinity: Unknown
Beast Bloodline: None
Special Traits: None
Current Stats:
Strength: 5
Speed: 4
Stamina: 6
Charisma: 7
Mana: 3
Unlocked Skills:
None
Quests:
[Main] Awaken Royal Power before Royal Banquet (30 Days)
[Side] Earn the Queen's Fear or Respect
"Looks like I'm basically human again," I muttered.
[Correct. But you won't stay that way for long.]
"Any starter packs? Boosts? Or do I have to go kiss a snake to level up?"
[Starter Pack Available.]
I raised an eyebrow. "You've been holding out on me?"
[Would you like to open your Beginner Gift Pack?]
"Yeah. Hit me."
[Opening...]
+ Skill Unlocked: Beast Sense (Passive)
Allows host to sense nearby beasts and their power levels.
**+ Item Received: Blood Orb (1x)
Can be used to absorb the essence of a low-rank beast instantly.
**+ Trait Unlocked: Allure (Rank F)
Slightly increases your charm to the opposite sex.
[Note: Traits gained from women can range from Rank F to Rank SSS depending on their emotional, physical, and power bond with host.]
I whistled. "So the stronger the woman, the better the ability?"
[Not just strength. Quality of bond. Emotional resonance. Power compatibility.]
"Right. So I can't just charm a dozen maids and become god-tier."
[You can—but the road to true strength lies in quality, not quantity.]
I stood up from the bed, stretching my arms. Even now, I felt the tiny shift in my body. That starter pack had done something—I felt warmer, sharper. Like my instincts had turned up.
Then I noticed something else.
A presence.
Three of them. Outside my door.
[Beast Sense Activated.]
[Target 1: Human. Maid. Weak. 3/10 threat level.]
[Target 2: Human. Guard. Low Mana Signature.]
[Target 3: Human. Noble Bloodline. High Affinity. Unknown threat level.]
"Someone important's out there."
[Correct. Judging by mana signature... it's your cousin.]
I remembered what Queen Ayame said.
Your father is passing the lineage to your cousin.
So this was the guy they wanted to replace me with?
Perfect.
The door creaked open without a knock.
A young man stepped in, tall and dressed like the future king. Black and gold armor. A sword hanging from his waist, polished to the point of vanity. His hair was jet black, eyes sharp and full of judgment.
"Still alive, cousin?" he said.
So this was the famous Tatsuo Kurogami.
"I heard Mother paid you a visit. She tends to leave bruises. Any broken bones?"
"Just the truth," I said, rising to my feet slowly.
His smirk faltered. "I'll be honest, Raiden. I don't know what gods kept you breathing this long. Maybe they like jokes."
I walked up to him until we were inches apart.
"You know what's funny?" I said calmly.
"What?"
"That the gods gave me a second chance."
He frowned. "Excuse me?"
I turned away, heading for the wardrobe. "You'll understand soon enough."
Tatsuo scoffed, clearly thrown off by my confidence, and turned to leave.
"I'll see you at the arena, cousin," he said before walking out. "Assuming you're not disqualified by then."
The door shut behind him.
[System Alert: Rival Encounter Logged.]
[New Side Quest: Defeat Tatsuo in Combat Trial (Due in 7 Days)]
"Let's make it more fun," I said. "Where's the nearest beast?"
[Activating Map. 3 low-rank beasts are currently lurking near the palace garden.]
I grinned. "Time for a test drive."
I slipped into a dark cloak and exited through the back. No one noticed—I was too invisible in this household.
The palace gardens were huge—twisting trees, glowing plants, hidden streams. Magical runes kept the walls protected, but a few wild creatures still slipped in. Low-rank ones. Nothing serious.
Perfect for a warm-up.
[Target locked: Shadowfang Hound - Rank D]
I crept toward the sound of growling, slipping through the bushes until I spotted it—a jet-black beast with silver fangs, sniffing around the fountain.
I rushed forward before it noticed.
Its head snapped up, snarling, but it was too late.
I ducked its claws, grabbed a fallen branch, and jammed it into its throat. It howled, and I jumped on its back, digging the branch deeper until blood sprayed across my arms.
The beast collapsed.
Dead.
I wiped my face, heart thumping. The thrill of battle returned like an old friend.
[Beast slain. Rank D Essence absorbed.]
+ 1 Blood Core Fragment
+ Trait Learned: Night Prowl (Passive) – Enhanced vision in low-light environments.
"Now that's more like it."
The beast's body dissolved into red mist as it fed the system.
[Congratulations. Strength +1 | Speed +1 | Beast Core Progress: 5%]
I looked at my hands. My nails looked darker. My breath felt heavier. The change had started.
Back in the palace, maids still walked past me like I didn't exist.
But that was about to change.
[Next step: Initiate first Bond Target. Would you like to view Compatible Candidates nearby?]
"Yes."
Three names floated before me. One caught my attention.
[Lady Sera – Royal Maid. Noble-born. High Affection toward Host.]
"Affection?" I raised an eyebrow. "I just got here."
[Residual feelings carried over from original host. Memories suggest she cared deeply for Raiden… even if he never noticed.]
"Well then," I said, fixing my cloak. "Let's go see what Raiden was missing."