A System?!

There was something strangely comforting about him. Perhaps it was because she knew he cared deeply for her. Or maybe it was simply due to his almost supernatural charm.

Either way, it was difficult for Elisabeth to leave him alone.

Instead, she returned the favor and held his hand tightly. Then she rested her head on top of it.

Soon enough, the two lovers drifted off to sleep together once more.

***

While Elisabeth slept soundlessly upon Zell's shoulder, he lay awake thinking about everything that transpired since leaving earth. This new world was far removed from home. Everything was foreign and unfamiliar.

Yet despite that, he was able to adapt fairly easily.

More importantly, he was happy here.

Ever since arriving in this land, he had been surrounded by kind people. They helped him adjust to the ways of this world and gave him plenty of opportunities for adventure.

He was even about to take control over a neighbour town. There were boundless possibilities ahead.

If things went well, perhaps someday soon he'd have a harem of women under his rule.

All these plans came rushing into his mind during those brief moments when he awoke.

And although he considered himself to be quite lucky, Zell still wondered where fate was taking him.

Was there some greater plan waiting for him? Was the future going to change drastically? Would he eventually return home?

Or would he spend the rest of his days here, ruling over the lands with his beloved Elisabeth at his side?

This was certainly an unusual situation. If Zell recalled correctly, such a thing hadn't occurred to him previously.

He pondered whether he should speak with someone regarding these questions. But then again, no one else was present except for Elisabeth and his servants.

Therefore, he decided to keep his doubts hidden inside.

Before long, Elisabeth woke up.

Instantly, she felt a surge of happiness flood through her veins.

Her heart fluttered rapidly within her chest.

At that moment, she became aware of several important facts. First, she recognized Zell as her true master and mate. Second, she understood that she loved him dearly. Lastly, she accepted herself fully as his slave and companion.

Those three points brought forth a wave of relief that washed away all of her worries.

"Good morning…" Zell greeted her gently.

Elisabeth blinked repeatedly. Slowly, she sat upright and turned toward Zell.

Their eyes met and locked in a loving gaze.

In that instant, she felt like she could fly. Like she would burst into flames if she dared to blink.

She wanted to reach out and caress his cheek. However, she restrained herself and merely gazed at him.

Overwhelmed by emotion, tears formed in Elisabeth's eyes. Although none escaped past the lids, the corners of her mouth quivered faintly. A faint blush colored her pale skin.

"…you're beautiful…"

Unable to contain the emotions coursing through her body anymore, Elisabeth embraced Zell passionately. Without warning, she threw caution aside entirely and kissed him tenderly. His lips parted naturally beneath hers and responded enthusiastically without reservation. For the longest time, neither of them uttered a word. Only sounds of pleasure filled the air between them until suddenly—they broke apart. Both gasped for fresh breaths of the cool night breeze.

Slowly, Elisabeth drew back. Once again, their gazes connected intensely. Now they shared a deeper bond than ever before.

Although the two of them weren't exactly speaking aloud, they communicated perfectly nonetheless.

'Blood slaves marking is truly effective,' thought Zell subconsciously.

Both hearts pounded wildly. Neither wished to break contact anytime soon. Yet they needed to breathe too much to continue their heated embraces. So they reluctantly separated themselves.

Each moved slowly towards the other once more. With renewed vigor, they resumed their sensual kisses. Soon enough, they found themselves tangled together once more.

Every second seemed to last five minutes. And then fifteen. Eventually, hours passed and they stopped counting altogether.

Finally, exhausted beyond belief, the two collapsed on the floor.

Neither spoke for many seconds afterward. Finally, Elisabeth cleared her throat loudly.

"Um… Zell…"

"...yes?" Zell mumbled.

"I am yours forever."

That simple statement caused Zell to freeze completely. To think that he might actually hear her confession right now…

"Err… yes?"

"My mind and body belong to you…" Elisabeth repeated softly. "…and my soul belongs wholly to you…"

Zell remained silent. All he heard was her voice echoing in his ears.

For a while afterward, he stared blankly at the sky above. At length, he muttered: "You are mine now… Forever…"

Gazing up at him, Elisabeth smiled sweetly.

***

Zell and Elisabeth lay on the bed inside Zell's room sleeping away peacefully.

Zell woke up to a robotic voice.

─Requirement Met: Enthrall Elisabeth─

─Blood System Activated─

─Skill Gained: Inspection─

─Mana Element Gained: Blood─

─Name: Zell─

─Race: Lesser Vampire─

─Level: 0, 0/100─

─Strength: 9, Agility: 8, Endurance: 9, Charm: 14, Will: 24─

─Skills: Inspection─

─Blood Skills: Charm, Blood Slaves Marking─

─Mana Elements: Wind, Fire, Earth, Water, Light, Dark, Mind, Blood─

─Title: None─

─Thralls: Elisabeth─

─???─

─???─

─???─

"A system?!" Zell had never expected to gain a system six months after entering the new world usually people in novels he read get a system instantly after getting reborn.

The message continued explaining the details of his newly acquired skill. Apparently, inspection allowed him to see information about any object or person nearby.

Furthermore, inspecting others revealed their weaknesses and strengths. That knowledge proved useful whenever dealing with opponents. On occasion, it served as inspiration for battle tactics. Above all, it enabled him to understand his own abilities better.

After reading the text, he quickly dismissed it and rolled over onto his stomach. Sleepiness overwhelmed him. After all, he didn't need to worry about anything tonight. No doubt tomorrow would bring along its share of challenges. Nevertheless, Zell fell asleep shortly thereafter.

By dawn light, Zell rose from slumber refreshed. He stretched lazily and yawned widely. Glancing down at Elisabeth beside him, he realized that she looked awfully peaceful next to him.

But why did she fall unconscious? What does 'requirement met' mean anyway...?

These thoughts swirled through Zell's mind as he got dressed.

Zell decided to test out ─Inspection─ since he wanted to be prepared.

─Name: Elisabeth Steelheart─

─Race: Elf─

─Strength: 8, Agility: 9, Endurance: 7, Charm: 11, Will: 17─

─Skills: None─

─Title: Zells Thrall─

─Mana Element: Unawakened─

When inspected, Elisabeth appeared weak but not terribly so. Her stats were similar to most elves who lived close to nature. In comparison, Zell saw nothing particularly special about her besides her beauty which stood tall among lesser mortals.