CHAPTER 47 – A New Ability Awakens
In the heart of the chaos, the System pulsed again—but this time, the internal sensation was different.
Instead of the cold, mechanical data warnings she was used to, a soft, profound warmth spread through Xiao Xi's chest, centered on the deep emotional bond she shared with Gu Yanzhou.
[Host emotional merge complete. Bi-directional link established with Primary Variable.]
[New core ability unlocked: Luck Redirection.]
She froze, her mind reeling from the concept. "Luck Redirection? What does that mean?"
The System chimed, its tone strangely triumphant despite the world's collapse:
[You can actively take luck energy from those who try to harm you.]
[And you can give luck energy to… someone you choose.]
Her heart stuttered painfully in her chest, the immense power of the ability staggering.
"Give luck… to Yanzhou?" The power to actively ensure his safety, the one thing she feared most, was now hers.
[Affirmative. Direct transfer possible due to Root Access bond.]
Xiao Xi's breath trembled, overwhelmed by the responsibility and the temptation.
She had wanted to protect him.
She had desperately wanted to keep him alive and safe from the original plot.
Now she had the ultimate power to do it.
But the System's warning immediately cut through her resolve:
[Warning: Luck Redirection is a powerful ability that draws upon the Host's vital life force.]
[Transfer drains Host vitality.]
She stiffened, the warmth turning cold.
"Drains… how much?"
Silence.
A significant delay in the System's processing.
Then—
[…Significantly. Repeated use will hasten Host System collapse.]
Gu Yanzhou, watching her pale face and the sudden change in her respiration, grew instantly alarmed.
"What is it, Xiao Xi? What happened? What did the System say?"
She looked at him, her gaze intense—the only person in this fractured world who made her feel truly alive and complete.
"Yanzhou… what if I could transfer luck to you? What if I could make you invincible?"
He instantly understood the profound cost of her offer.
He froze, his face hardening.
"Xiao Xi—don't.
Don't even finish that thought."
"It could protect you from the accident.
From the hacker.
From the story."
"And what about you?" His voice sharpened, laced with fear and rising anger.
"You think I'd let you sacrifice anything—especially your survival—for me? My life isn't worth more than yours, and I will not let you become disposable for my sake."
She dropped her gaze, the weight of his refusal crushing.
But a quiet, fierce truth settled deep in her heart, a conviction that transcended fear and logic: She would give everything for him. Even if it meant giving up the life she had fought so hard to keep.