So this is the new world...
I try to push myself up, but my body refuses to listen.
There is no strength in my body.
''Great start. How am I supposed to spread fear when I can't even sit up...?''
With a long sigh, I relax my body and observe my surroundings.
''Artworks, golden decorations, king-sized bed...''
I catch myself smirking before I know it.
''Perhaps there is a way.''
No ordinary person would get to enjoy luxuries like these.
Which means...
''The system listened to my preferences.''
Forget the gold, forget the luxury. There is only one thing that matters.
Status.
With status comes authority.
With authority, comes fear.
''I have no idea how the previous owner acted, but considering my situation...''
It wouldn't be weird if I acted differently from before.
Someone tried to kill me, but I survived.
Experience like this can change a person.
Heck, I can even say I lost my memory.
''The situation so far, is rather good. That's worrisome.''
Every time something went well, it was followed by a disaster.
Let's see if this trend followed me to another world.
Knock Knock
''Come in.''
I say with a cold, detached voice.
As the doors creak open, I turn my attention to the girl who just came in.
She's beautiful.
I know that in novels, the girls are always beautiful. But for a maid to be this beautiful?
Long, straight silver hair, snow-white skin, bright blue eyes, and a figure envied by all…
''Young Master, you've woken up!''
She says energetically, her tone sweet but professional.
Based on her tone, I don't believe we were close.
I don't hear any concern from her voice, nor do I see it in her expression.
''I have. But more importantly, who are you?''
I say coldly, without lifting myself up. My eyes stare deep into hers.
She tilts her head at me, clearly stunned by the question.
Well, I can't blame her. Young Master, who she likely served for years, doesn't know her name.
Regardless, I should make it clear from the start. No memories, different personality.
The sooner, the better. No need to beat around the bush.
''Young Master? It's me, Xiaoyu. Do you not remember me?''
No concern this time either, just confusion. That clears things up. She does not care about me.
Which likely means the original owner of this body was not particularly friendly.
I shake my head weakly.
''I do not. To be honest, I don't even remember who I am.''
I give a soft sigh as I let myself sink into my bed, shifting my gaze towards the ceiling.
Time to put my acting skills to use.
This should be about right for someone who is lost and contemplating.
''Oh no... This can't be.''
She whispers softly as she quickly makes her way towards me.
She leans forward and presses her hand on my forehead.
''Don't touch me!''
With the last bits of my strength, I slap her hand away as I stare fiercely into her eyes.
''!!''
I watch her as she takes a step back, never leaving my eyes off of hers.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
It works as I expected.
While this might be a rather forced way of doing this...
In my situation, this is the best I can do.
''I'm sorry Young Master... I... I simply w-''
''Enough, just answer what I'm asking.''
I cut her sentence short, giving her no time to explain.
It's best if I assert my authority early on.
''Yes, Young Master... Your name is Han Ye, the sole heir to the Han family.''
She takes a deep breath before continuing.
''The Han family is known for its elite guards, an escort service, you could say.''
''Unlike others, the Han family focuses mainly on high-value clients, such as nobility.''
She stops, her eyes meet mine.
''What about my parents? If I'm an heir, my father must be the patriarch.''
I say indifferently, giving her no time to organize her thoughts.
''Yes... That's correct. Your father is the most powerful cultivator within the family.''
She stops again, but this time, it's different.
There's sorrow. A genuine sorrow.
The first real emotion she's shown me today.
''As for your mother... she passed away after giving birth to Young Master.''
She looks down, her hands gripping her dress tightly.
That confirms it. She and my mother were on good terms.
Considering the age difference, perhaps my mother treated her well.
''What is my father's name? How is my relationship with him?''
I follow up with another question. Information is what I need the most.
Shocked by my nonchalant reaction to my mother's death, she grips her dress even tighter.
''Patriarch's name is Han Luo.''
''As for your relationship, that is something a maid like me shouldn't a-''
''Answer the question. Don't make me repeat myself.''
My expression turns cold as I interrupt her again.
''Yes, Young Master...''
''Your relationship is... neither good, nor bad.''
''Generally, you stay out of each other's way...''
I nod, waving my hand in dismissal.
''Leave now. I want some time to sort my thoughts.''
With a nod and graceful step back, she gives me one last glance and leaves the room.
That will have to do for now.
With this, I'm sure my father will be notified of my situation.
Until then...
Let's see what the system has to offer.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[STATUS]
Name: Han Ye
Age: 18
Cultivation: None (Uninitiated) +
Fear Points: 1
[Note: Fear Points are earned through inducing genuine fear in intelligent beings. The amount of points is based on the fear induced.]
1 point... All this for one point. Well, it's hard to be intimidating when you are a cripple.
I chuckle at my own misery as I press the ''+'' button on the system.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Cultivation: None (Uninitiated) +]
[Host can spend fear points to upgrade the cultivation directly.]
[Due to Host's condition, normal cultivation techniques will be impossible to learn.]
[Host is encouraged to initiate System-specific cultivation method - The Fear-Devouring Method.]
[Host can spend 1 Fear point to initiate it.]
[Proceed? YES/NO]
Not that I have much of a choice in the matter.
''Proceed.''
As soon as the word left my lips, my body erupts in agony.
It's as if every nerve, every cell, is being dragged apart and stitched back together at the same time.
My muscles twist like wet ropes wrung by invisible hands, tearing and reforming in violent bursts.
Just as I feel I'm about to lose my mind, the pain disappears, and my consciousness fades away.
.
.
.
Authors note: Hey y'all! Gravemind here. Just a friendly reminder to give me an honest review. It comes a long way, even if negative. Thank you and i'm peacing out~