Telepathic bridging.

A tremendous noise erupted, sending shockwaves through the air, causing Drake's surroundings to shudder as if caught in an earthquake. Drake sighed heavily, watching as everything around him began to crumble as if his memories themselves were being torn apart, revealing a vast expanse of blue flame void.

Amidst the chaos, a whisper grew louder, urgent and insistent. "Oh, shoot," Drake murmured under his breath, feeling a sense of unease creeping over him. Suddenly, a hand emerged from the void—dark and pale, with long, crimson-red fingers resembling the claws of a tiger. Adorning the figure's left hand was a striking black and golden tattoo, holding a small dagger tightly.

Drake tightened his fists, a mix of confusion and fear welling up inside him. "System, I need your help," he murmured, barely audible over the growing wind.

"Come to me," the voice whispered, its allure as tempting as a forbidden fruit. Drake blinked, feeling inexplicably drawn towards the void.

[Blood Lust dictated.]

"What? Is someone after me?" Drake exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief as the void expanded.

A figure emerged, cloaked in darkness, masked and mysterious. Drake's gaze lingered on her, captivated yet wary.

A figure appeared, shrouded in darkness, wearing a mask and exuding an air of mystery. Drake's eyes were fixed on her, both fascinated and cautious.

"Come to me," the voice called out again, its alluring tone reverberating through the emptiness, drawing Drake further into its grasp.

[Drake you should manage to evade attack.]

Drake scowled, feeling powerless but resolute in his determination not to be killed by the enigmatic woman before him.

"It's not my time to die yet. There's still so much I have yet to experience," he declared, speaking aloud and perplexing the figure standing in front of him.

In a sudden burst of lightning, she lunged for Drake, seizing him by the neck and hoisting him into the air.

Drake struggled, but it was futile. She was powerful.

[Host injured -20 HP]

"Damn, I hate this," he muttered as she crushed the life out of him.

Then she hurled him to the ground.

[Host injured -10 HP]

Drake clutched his neck, desperately gasping for air.

The figure wasn't done; she charged at him again and delivered a punch, laughing.

"I heard you were a feeble child," she said mockingly. "A feeble son of Thyrasou, I'm very disappointed. Hahaha, so feeble," she cackled wickedly as she toyed with the dagger in her right hand and seized Drake by the neck again, squeezing even harder than before.

"Lady, I don't know why you have a grudge against me. But believe me, I will make you regret it," he said, despite the pain, gritting his teeth as he stared into her eyes.

The figure chuckled. "I find your soul delightful," she said, licking his face.

"Tasty, but unfortunately, you must die," she added.

Drake frowned, feeling powerless but determined not to let the woman in front of him kill him.

"Not yet, lady. Activate Seductive Manipulation," he commanded.

"What??" the figure asked, confused.

[Seductive Manipulation activated, Host. It will remain effective for 15 minutes. Focus and concentration will help.]#

As the seductive tendrils unfolded, a delightful scent drifted through the air, captivating the senses of all who inhaled its intoxicating essence. Drake's lips curved into a knowing smile as he locked eyes with the lady, a silent challenge resonating in the depths of his gaze.

"Now let me go," Drake ordered. Confusion clouded the lady's expression as she resisted, her nose itching.

"Let me go," Drake insisted.

Gradually, tentatively, the lady's hold weakened, her fingers quivering with uncertainty.

Drake let out a sigh of relief and sank to the ground, his body shaking with effort as he tried to compose himself. Sweat dripped from his forehead, evidence of the intense battle going on in his mind.

"What have you done to me?" she asked, her voice filled with determination.

Drake stood up, resisting the temptation to use her dagger against her.

"Tell me your name now," he ordered.

The woman tried to move but found herself unable to.

"You're strong," Drake remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice as he looked at the woman in front of him. "But even the strongest of us must face the truth. Now, what's your name?"

"I am Koì, Princess Koì," she snarled.

"You're spirited," he remarked.

"XAVIER!!" a familiar voice shouted.

Dizziness washed over him, a tidal wave of confusion and disorientation threatening to engulf him.

"Xavier," the old man's voice echoed once more, drawing Drake back to reality. With a start, he opened his eyes, the familiar surroundings of his grandpa's room coming into focus once more.

Feeling the pain inflicted by the lady, Drake thought, 'She was forceful.'

"What was that system?"

[Telepathic bridging. Someone trespassed into your memories.]

She wasn't alone then,' Drake thought, his mind filled with new understanding. 'But her curves...'

His grandpa's gaze bore into him, a silent testament to the scrutiny that hung heavy in the air.

[Congratulations, Host. You gained Luck +1, Willpower +2, and Charisma +1.]

'Great.'

[Do you want your stats open?]

'No, not now.'

"What's on your mind, Xavier?" his grandpa asked.

"Nothing, Grandpa," Drake replied, aware of his scrutiny.

"Have you found what you sought, Grandpa?" Drake inquired.

"You were only knocked out," his grandpa said mysteriously.

'Xavier is clever,' Drake realized, feeling a surge of determination. 'He has locked his memories, protecting them from intrusion.'

"I will surpass you, Grandpa," Drake declared.

"I will be keeping an eye on you," his grandpa replied, smiling.

"Now, about the academy Xavier," his grandpa continued.

"Yes, what about it?" Drake asked.

"Your aunt will take care of your combat skills. And you might join the warrior class or the arcane education.

Drake smiled, excited about the training ahead. "I am ready for the challenge," he said eagerly.

"Go to your aunt," he said in a calm voice.

Leaving his grandpa, he made his way to Aunt Kathy's room, ignoring the judgmental looks from the guards.

In Aunt Kathy's room, Drake took in her scent, his smile becoming more sinister.

Drake looked around the room and noticed that everything here had her scent. A wicked smile spread across

his face.