With this kind of ability, Peter couldn't help but imagine the possibilities. The world could be his. All he needed was strength—enough to surpass everyone else. With that, everything would bow to him.
He could look anyone in the eye, speak a single command, and they would obey. A master of this broken, apocalyptic world.
It was thrilling. Too thrilling.
[Snap out of it,] a sharp voice barked in his mind, cutting through his thoughts like a whip.
Peter flinched, the voice dragging him back to reality.
His heart raced as he realized how dangerous his thoughts had become. Shaking his head, he forced himself to clear his mind. That kind of thinking would get him killed. Where did he even get such thoughts?
He took a deep breath, grounding himself.
Anyone with a treasure or ability capable of countering Charm would be a direct threat, he thought grimly. He had no idea if such things even existed, but it wasn't a chance he was willing to take.
Turning his thoughts to the spirit in his head, he decided to ask.
"Hey, thank you for that, by the way, is it possible someone out there has an ability or item to counteract Charm?"
[Most people hide their skills and unique abilities anyone could have one,] she replied, her tone measured, almost reassuring.
[But even if they did, they wouldn't know that it can be used against vampires. After all, your kind—your abilities—are considered myths to most. That said, never let your guard down. If someone stronger than you finds your ability dangerous, they'll kill you before you can blink.]
The last part of her statement sent a shiver down Peter's spine.
He didn't have the luxury of carelessness, not now. Not with this power.
But the first part gave him hope. If his abilities remained unknown, he could avoid unnecessary trouble. "Do they exist, though?" he pressed. "I mean… Vampires. In this world."
[Unlikely,] she admitted after a moment. [At least, not here. Outside this realm? Vampires maybe exist—a full race of them perhaps. But here? That would be left to luck.]
Peter nodded to himself. Meeting another Vampire would be interesting, but it wasn't something he could count on. He had to survive on his own. He will continue surviving until he gets answers.
As if reading his thoughts, she continued. [Ah, speaking of survival...]
A notification blinked in his vision, the last of the starter package gifts.
[Mysterious Item: Sun Ring]
Description: Through generations, the sun has been the greatest weakness of Vampires. To protect his race, the Vampire God created the Sunlight Ring. While the original rings crafted by the god himself were perfect, subsequent versions—passed down through Vampire artisans—offer limited protection.
Basic Rank:
Duration: Two hours of protection from direct sunlight.]
Peter chuckled, a dry, almost bitter sound. "Maybe I really am your destined host—red eyes and a hatred for the sun."
Her's voice carried a smirk he couldn't see. [You wish.]
Peter ignored her as he checked his Vampire Points balance. His heart quickened with excitement. The system, the voice, his abilities—it all felt like a cheat for his life.
[VP: 120]
[Pete,] she said suddenly, her tone softer now. [I think it's time for you to wake up.]
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Didn't know you could go soft on me so quickly. Let me guess—you've fallen for my charm? Sorry to blow your bubbles, I'm not into spirits."
[Don't flatter yourself, stupid,] she snapped. [I just think calling you Peter is boring and old-fashioned. And for the record, I'm a living spirit—not some intangible ghost.]
"Oh, really?" Peter asked, feigning surprise, sarcastically.
Her reaction was immediate and explosive. [Hey! If you want to never gain Exp, keep being rude. See how that works out for you. And my name's Elena—drill that into your head.]
Peter winced. "Sorry, ma'am. Won't happen again." He said it sarcastically, but deep down, her threat had struck a nerve.
No Exp meant no advancement—and no advancement meant becoming a stepping stone for the strong.
[Wake up!]
****
Peter's eyes fluttered open. The first thing he saw was her.
"H-Hi?" he stammered, raising a hand in an awkward wave. It was pathetic, really, but his brain had short-circuited.
[Oh, this is gold!] Elena cackled in his mind. [The rude boy's shy around a pretty face. Who would've thought?]
Peter clenched his teeth, ignoring her laughter, but the woman's presence wasn't helping.
She tilted her head, her eyes studying him with faint amusement. "Oh my~ Are you actually shy?" she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.
Elena's laughter only grew louder. [What's wrong, Pete? Cat got your tongue?]
Peter stared at the young woman but avoided making eye contact. He had never been this nervous before.
Aside from his boss, her daughter and his lost sister, this was his first time talking to a girl up close in a room alone. Being alone with her only added to his unease.
She didn't seem much older than him—probably around eighteen, just two years older. An air of royalty surrounded her, adding to her mystery and beauty.
Peter's pale face burned red and it was so visible, but he didn't respond. He avoided the woman's gaze, staring at the ground beside his bed instead. His heart raced.
She wasn't just beautiful. She was unreal.
Her porcelain face was framed by hair so white it seemed to glow. Her sharp crescent eyebrows and delicate, piercing blue eyes exuded an aura of quiet dominance, long ears like his, although not long as elves's. Every feature was perfectly balanced, from her sharp nose to her soft, pink lips.
Even her slender neck added to her allure, giving her an air of grace.
A black dress clung to her lithe frame, short enough to reveal her alabaster thighs, while a coat draped casually over her shoulders. She looked like royalty, a princess in the flesh.
Peter gulped. Hard.
[Pervert,] Elena hissed, her voice laced with mock disgust. [She saved your life, and you're already ogling her.]
Peter shook his head, desperate to defend himself. "I'm not a pervert and I can't ogle on a woman Elena. I'm a good reserved youth. She's just…" His voice trailed off. There wasn't a word strong enough to capture her beauty.
The woman finally spoke, her voice smooth and teasing. "Can you please introduce yourself to your savior?"
Peter's mouth opened, but no words came out. For once, the man who had faced death itself found himself utterly speechless.