MTLNOVEL Chapter 13: A new hunger
Selene awoke to the sound of Marcus's voice calling her name, her vision blurry and her body heavy with exhaustion. The survivors were gathered around her in the aftermath of the reactor's stabilization, their faces filled with gratitude and awe.
"You did it, Selene," Marcus said, kneeling beside her. His voice was firm but laced with concern. "The reactor's stable, and the rift energy isn't spreading anymore."
Selene sat up slowly, her system buzzing faintly in her mind. Despite her victory, she felt... different. Her body ached in unfamiliar ways, and her thoughts were clouded by an unusual warmth that refused to fade.
> System Alert: Rift energy has deeply integrated into the host's physiology. New pathways unlocked. Side effects detected: Increased emotional and physical cravings.
"What... what does that mean?" Selene muttered under her breath, confused by the system's cryptic warning.
Before she could focus on it further, Dr. Linton approached. "Miss Selene, your actions saved us all. I—I don't know how to repay you," he stammered.
"You can start by helping us get out of here," Marcus said sharply. "The demons outside won't wait forever."
Selene nodded, pushing herself to her feet with Marcus's help. The group began their journey back to the surface, moving cautiously through the damaged facility.
But as they climbed the stairs and navigated the hallways, Selene felt the changes within her growing stronger. Her system pulsed with new alerts.
> Lust System Integration: 20% Complete.
New Skill Unlocked: Temptation Aura – A passive ability that influences nearby individuals, heightening their emotional and physical attraction to the host.
Selene's breath hitched as she felt the aura take effect. Marcus, walking close beside her, glanced at her with a sudden intensity in his eyes. His usually composed demeanor faltered, and he quickly looked away, his jaw tightening.
"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.
"I'm fine," Selene lied, though her heart pounded in her chest. The air between them felt charged, and she didn't know if it was her imagination or the system's doing.
As they emerged into the main corridor leading to the exit, the group stopped abruptly. Standing between them and freedom was another group of demons, smaller but no less menacing.
"Great," Marcus muttered, raising his weapon. "Guess we're not done yet."
Selene's system buzzed again, flooding her mind with tactical options.
> Combat Scenario Detected: Initiating Lust-Based Enhancement Protocol.
Her body surged with energy, her senses sharpening as the system began feeding her power. But this time, the energy came with a cost—a deep, gnawing hunger that burned in her chest.
"Selene, we need you!" Marcus shouted as the demons charged.
Selene focused, her system granting her speed and strength beyond human limits. She darted into the fray, her movements fluid and precise. Her strikes were empowered by the rift energy within her, each blow landing with devastating force.
But as the battle raged on, she found her control slipping. The hunger grew stronger, clouding her judgment. Her aura intensified, affecting not just Marcus and the survivors but even the demons, which hesitated and faltered under her influence.
"What the hell is going on?" Marcus yelled, trying to shake off the strange pull he felt toward her.
Selene gritted her teeth, forcing herself to focus. With a final surge of power, she unleashed a wave of energy that obliterated the remaining demons, leaving the corridor eerily quiet.
As the dust settled, Selene collapsed to her knees, her body trembling. Marcus rushed to her side, his hand on her shoulder.
"Selene, talk to me. What's happening to you?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
"I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "The system... it's changing me."
Marcus helped her to her feet, his grip lingering longer than usual. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them was thick with unspoken tension. Selene quickly looked away, her cheeks burning.
"We need to keep moving," she said, brushing past him.
As they made their way outside, Selene couldn't ignore the changes within her. The system's influence was growing, and with it came a power she couldn't fully control—and a hunger she couldn't ignore.