A low hum rang in his ears as Elian—no, Caelan now—opened his eyes slowly. The world around him was blurred for a moment, colors swirling like melting paint until they came into focus. He lay on a hard wooden bed, covered in rough sheets. The room smelled of burning incense and old dust. Clay pots rested on shelves, and the floor creaked beneath the weight of silence.
He sat up.
His fingers brushed across his body—thin, worn, clothed in tattered rags. He stood and stumbled slightly. Every limb felt weak. He caught sight of a dented metallic plate by the window. Something about it made him stop.
He turned back slowly, looking into the reflection.
He touched his face.
"My face is... different," he whispered. His fingers ran along his jaw, up to his eyes, across his lips. He smirked. "This is nice... The Gods really are something, aren't they?"
Just then, the wooden door creaked open.
A young woman walked in, her eyes wide with surprise. "Oh, you're awake already!"
Caelan blinked. Who is she?
She set a wooden bowl on the table, her voice soft. "Are you hungry? You've been asleep for a whole week."
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice raw.
She tilted her head, confused. "I am Iris. Don't you remember me?"
Caelan paused. "Not quite."
She gave a soft smile. "Five years ago, I found you unconscious in the rain. You had nowhere to go. I took you in. But not long after, you fell into a deep sleep. I called doctors, shamans... nothing worked. I'm just glad you're finally awake."
Before he could respond, a soft ding rang in his head. A bright panel flashed before his eyes.
"What the—?" he muttered.
Iris looked around, concerned. "What is it?"
He blinked the screen away quickly. "Nothing. Just a little dizzy. Maybe it's the long sleep."
But inside, his heart raced. So it wasn't a dream... The System... it's real.
Iris stood. "I'll go prepare your food. Rest for now."
She left quietly, the door closing behind her. Caelan sat back down on the bed. The panel reappeared.
---
[Essence Link System Booted: Tutorial Mode Engaged]
Welcome, Caelan Virelith.
To thrive in this world, you must grow your power through Essence Links.
An Essence Link is a magical bond formed through physical intimacy.
Each successful Link rewards you with:
Combat Skills
Experience Points
Trait Fragments
Potential Absorption
WARNING: Consent is not required for system activation. But consequences vary.
Your first target is...
Initializing target data...
---
Caelan's green eye glowed faintly. "First target..."
A red shimmer formed in the air, like a memory burned into magic.
Lyra Flameborne.
The image came in flashes: Crimson hair. Infernal magic. Her body writhing in pain as he healed her shattered ribs... and her cold eyes when she left him to die.
---
[Target: Lyra Flameborne]
Class: Infernal Witch
Power: Flame Affinity
Status: confident/slightly guarded
Combat Potential: High
Link Compatibility: 96%
System Quest Issued: First Link – Claim the Flame
Reward: +1 Level, Skill Spin, Eye Upgrade I, +300 XP
---
Caelan chuckled darkly. "So... the system's on my side after all. Perfect for revenge."
He waved his hand. The panel changed.
---
System Menu:
[Stats] – View Personal Attributes
[Skills] – View Active and Passive Skills
[Targets] – View Nearby Linkable Beings
[Inventory] – Currently Empty
[Eye Mode] – Toggle Stat Vision
---
He tapped Eye Mode.
Light flashed in his left eye. It flickered—then glowed like a rune lit on fire. Lines of glowing script tracked through the walls, searching.
Iris walked in with a tray.
"Your eyes are glowing..." she said, stunned.
"Oh, yeah," Caelan said casually. "Just a side effect."
She blinked, shrugged it off. "Well, your food is ready. Come eat."
"I'll be there in a moment."
As she walked out, the glow in his eye sharpened. Stats poured in:
---
[Oculus Veritas – Activated]
Race: Human
Role: Caretaker (Non-Combatant)
Age: 29
Mana Affinity: None
Magic Usage: Cannot use magic
Level: 3
Combat Power: 4/100
Mental Stability: 78%
Emotional State: Neutral / Mild Suspicion
Sexual Resistance: 38%
Link Compatibility: 42%
---
Caelan smirked. So she can't use magic. Level 3. Weak. Not worth it.
He stood and walked outside.
A mat was laid beneath a tree. Food was spread out. Iris smiled warmly.
They ate.
As he glanced sideways at her, the glowing panel stayed floating beside her like an invisible aura only he could see.
Should I form a link with her? No. Her stats are too low. I need something better. Someone useful. Someone like... her.
"Caelan," Iris said gently. "Do you still want to be a hero?"
He blinked. "A hero?"
"Before you slept, you always talked about being one."
He gave a hollow smile. "Did I now?"
"It's hard for people like us," she said. "But I always believed in you. I still do."
He looked at her, and for the first time, he smiled genuinely. "Thank you."
Later, after cleaning up, Caelan returned to his room. He lay back, staring at his hand.
The glow started.
It burned.
Not with pain—with life.
Blue-green light spiraled down his veins. Glowing lines marked his hand like divine circuits.
---
[Ding! System Notification – Class Awakening]
Designated Class: Healer
Mark of Verdance Detected – Registered to Caelan Virelith
Traits Unlocked:
Living Salve: Your bodily fluids cure disease, poison, and regenerate limbs.
Divine Flesh: Your touch speeds up cell recovery.
Pain Absorption: Take damage in place of others.
---
Caelan's lips curled.
"A Healer... perfect."
His hand clenched as light exploded around him.
"I was used... broken... betrayed. But now? I will hold the power that decides who lives and dies."
He laughed. The mark on his hand pulsed, lighting the room in an emerald glow.
Just then, noise stirred outside.
Villagers murmured. Shouts. Gasps. Iris burst in.
"Caelan! Come outside! Heroes from the Royal Palace have arrived!"
He followed her. Outside, armored knights on horseback held back the curious crowd.
Then, the crowd parted.
A white horse rode through, and atop it sat a young girl with flowing pink hair and jade-like eyes. Her presence was divine. Every villager bowed immediately.
Except Caelan.
Iris tugged his hand quickly. He bowed, eyes narrowed.
"Greetings, Lady Lyra," the crowd said in unison.
She smiled, voice ringing like bells. "Rise. The jade seal has glowed. A new hero is born today."
Her eyes scanned the crowd.
"If you carry the hero mark, raise your hand."
Caelan raised his hand.
The crowd gasped as they parted.
Lyra dismounted and approached, her own glowing mark shining on her palm.
She reached for his hand.
Their marks touched—and flared with power.
Magic surged through them like lightning.
Lyra's eyes widened. "You truly are chosen."
She smiled. "You will come with us. Together, we will protect the kingdom."
Caelan gave a childlike smile. "Really?"
"Really."
He turned to Iris, who was already crying.
"You did it, Caelan," she sobbed. "You've become a hero."
They embraced.
A chariot rolled in.
Lyra stepped off her horse, letting a guard take it. She and Caelan entered the chariot side by side.
As they left, Iris waved from behind, her smile bright through the tears.
Lyra leaned close to Caelan, whispering, "You're going to be a fine hero."
He smiled.
I didn't even need to search for her. Fate brought her to me. You really can't tell what your destiny has in store for you.
"This will be fun."