Apocalypse Survival Why Do I Have A Lust System

In the distance, a scream cut through the chaos—a child's scream. Selene's head snapped toward the sound, her instincts flaring. A little girl was trapped beneath a pile of rubble, her leg pinned as a smaller demon advanced on her. The child's terrified cries pierced through Selene's fear, igniting something deep within her.

"Priority objective: protect vulnerable civilian. Action will trigger temporary energy boost."

The system's words were the final push she needed. Selene stumbled to her feet, adrenaline overriding her exhaustion. She sprinted toward the girl, her body moving on sheer determination.

"Run!" she shouted, but the child couldn't move, her leg pinned beneath the debris. The smaller demon hissed, its claws gleaming as it raised them for the kill.

"No!" Selene thrust her hands out, and the warmth roared back to life, burning hotter than ever before. A blinding surge of energy exploded from her, engulfing the demon in brilliant light. When it faded, the creature was gone—nothing but ash and smoke.

Selene collapsed beside the child, her body trembling. Her vision blurred as the exhaustion hit her like a wave.

"Energy boost depleted. Current reserves: 0%. Warning: user is in critical condition."

The little girl stared at her with wide, tear-filled eyes. "You… saved me," she whispered.

Selene managed a weak smile, her head spinning. The system's voice was faint now, barely audible over the ringing in her ears.

"Survival achieved. Energy recovery required. Recommend immediate rest and connection to replenish reserves."

Before she could process the words, darkness overtook her.

Selene's consciousness stirred within the darkness, her body feeling like it was submerged in an ocean of warmth and pressure. Dim voices echoed around her, some distant, some near, and one unmistakably clear.

[System Activation Complete.]

Her eyes snapped open, a sharp intake of breath filling her lungs as her vision adjusted to the scene around her. The child she had saved was huddled nearby, clutching her knees and sobbing softly. The surrounding area was eerily silent—no more demons, no roaring flames, only the faint crackle of smoldering debris.

And then it came.

[Congratulations, Selene Wright.]

[You have awakened the Lust System.]

Selene blinked, her mind sluggish as the words sank in. The voice was calm, even clinical, but it reverberated directly inside her head. She pressed a trembling hand to her temple. "What—what are you talking about?" she croaked.

[The Lust System has integrated with your soul to ensure survival in the current catastrophic environment. Your powers have successfully activated under extreme duress.]

Her pulse quickened as memories of the fight with the demon rushed back to her. The energy bursts, the barrier, the surge that obliterated the smaller demon—all of it was real. She wasn't imagining it.

"What… kind of system?" she asked hesitantly, her voice still raw.

[The Lust System is a survival-based interface designed to enhance physical, magical, and mental capabilities through emotional and physical connections.]

Selene frowned. "Enhance… what? Through connections? What does that even mean?"

The system paused briefly, as if considering her question. Then:

[Your abilities thrive on the bonds you form with others. Positive emotional interactions will generate vitality, while physical intimacy will amplify your combat efficiency and unlock advanced functions.]

Her heart sank. "You mean… you expect me to…" She couldn't bring herself to say the words aloud.

[Yes. Emotional and physical bonds are fundamental to sustaining and expanding your power. Current energy levels are minimal. Further action is required to avoid system failure and fatal consequences.]

Selene groaned, rubbing her temples. "This can't be happening."

The child's quiet sobs broke through her spiraling thoughts. Selene turned, her chest tightening at the sight of the little girl's tear-streaked face. She had nearly forgotten.

Kneeling beside her, Selene spoke softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "Hey, it's okay now. The monster's gone. Are you hurt?"

The girl sniffled, her big, watery eyes meeting Selene's. "M-My leg… I can't move it."

Selene's gaze dropped to the girl's pinned leg, bruised and twisted beneath a heavy slab of debris. Her stomach churned. She didn't have the strength left to lift it, and her newfound powers felt drained, the warmth inside her barely flickering.

[Suggestion: Utilize current system energy reserves to heal the injured individual.]

Selene's head snapped up. "I can do that?"

[Affirmative. Basic healing capabilities unlocked. Direct physical contact required. Energy cost will deplete reserves significantly. Proceed with caution.]

Selene hesitated. The thought of touching the system's power again after what it had just told her was terrifying. But there was no other choice. She couldn't leave this child to suffer.

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands gently on the girl's leg. "This might feel strange, but I'll try to help, okay?"

The child nodded hesitantly, her tears slowing.

The moment Selene focused, the faint warmth inside her flared to life. It surged through her palms, spreading into the girl's injured leg like a gentle wave. The bruises faded, the twisted bone realigning with an almost imperceptible crack. The girl gasped, her pain melting into surprise as she wiggled her toes.

"It doesn't hurt anymore!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with relief.

Selene smiled faintly, though her head felt light and her vision swam. The warmth inside her flickered dangerously low, and a familiar warning flashed in her mind.

[Energy reserves critically low. Immediate replenishment required.]

"Of course," Selene muttered under her breath, exhaustion threatening to pull her under. She fought to stay upright, her focus turning back to the child. "Can you walk now?"

The girl nodded eagerly, her small hand clutching Selene's sleeve. "Thank you! You're like a hero!"

Hero. The word stung in her chest, mocking the chaos still unraveling inside her. But there wasn't time to dwell on it. She needed to find a safe place for them both.

Pushing herself to her feet, Selene helped the child up. Her legs trembled under the strain, but she kept moving, scanning the wreckage for shelter. The rift above still loomed ominously, its pulsating light spilling more monsters into the ruined city.

"Let's go," Selene whispered, guiding the girl forward.

The system's voice chimed again, quieter but insistent.

[Seek allies. Energy replenishment requires immediate action.]

She gritted her teeth. "I get it," she snapped under her breath. "But it's not like I can just—"

A sudden growl cut her off. Selene froze, her grip tightening on the child's hand. Emerging from the shadows was another demon, its grotesque form hunched and slavering.

Her body tensed, instinct screaming at her to run. But her legs felt like lead, her reserves completely drained. There was no escaping this one.

The demon lunged.

And just as Selene braced for impact, a figure dropped from the sky, landing between her and the monster with a thunderous crash.