Chapter 23
Chapter 023 Paranoia is Unhelpful
For the first time, I possessed two kinds of abilities. Obtaining these powers in reality should have been a delightful experience, but why… couldn’t I feel any joy at all?
In fact, I felt particularly displeased.
The beast transformation ability was one thing; although it overturned my previous combat style, it was something I could learn to cope with again. But what on earth was this demoness transformation?!
Was it messing with me?
I couldn’t help but suspect that this system was doing it on purpose.
【Please do not doubt this system, it will make this system sad】
【The items in the gift box are generated randomly; even this system cannot predict the outcome before opening it】
Xia Xinyan fell silent for a while, considering this explanation.
But…
“This passive effect… I can’t cancel it?!”
【Not possible; this is a unique trait of the demoness】
“… Don’t I have a beastkin lineage? Then what will happen to me when the game abilities manifest in reality?”
【Lineage fusion; retains all effects from both, the final manifestation can be viewed in advance within the game】
This plunged Xia Xinyan into deeper silence.
The so-called abilities were more about altering a player’s lineage or traits to allow them to acquire powers from other races; for example, a vampire would gain blood-sucking abilities—though there are countless ways to achieve this, they’ve all been unified under the term ‘abilities’ for clarity.
And it wouldn’t confuse anyone.
This distinction isn’t particularly highlighted in the game, but when players transfer attributes into reality, various peculiar issues arise—like reproductive isolation…
Because, technically speaking, when one’s lineage is completely transformed, they can no longer be considered human.
Just like now, Xia Xinyan had turned into a demoness.
If she brought out her beastkin lineage in the future, what would she ultimately become?
Lineage fusion… a mixed breed?
She truly had never encountered a similar situation before; even in her past life, she had never heard of anyone obtaining two abilities.
So although she now had two abilities, to avoid being captured and dissected later, she couldn’t reveal this fact. As for her choice between demoness and beastkin in front of others… it was obvious she’d choose the latter.
Of course, that didn’t mean she’d discard the demoness lineage; that ability could become her secret weapon, possibly offering significant utility in critical moments.
The problem was this passive…
The charm BUFF, a BUFF that couldn’t be canceled.
She really couldn’t decide if this effect was good or bad.
Letting out a sigh, she stood up and walked over to the full-length mirror.
In the mirror, she looked pretty much the same as usual, wearing only a loose T-shirt. The black tail behind her swayed slightly, occasionally brushing against the hem of her shirt.
However, upon closer inspection, one would notice that her eye color had changed from brown to dark red, akin to wearing colored contacts. Anyone who met her gaze would feel an irresistible allure—don’t ask her how she knew; she almost got entranced by her reflection.
“… This effect works on me as well?”
【The charm effect of demonesses is a non-targeted dispersion, an influence that can be spread by any means… it also affects the host】
In other words, regardless of the form, anyone who sees her will be impacted by this effect; if they make eye contact, the effect would peak.
She didn’t even need to be physically present; even through a video or photo, the effect would still apply.
【However, due to the nature of demonesses, this effect will not deeply impact the host, at most it will cause the host to become narcissistic】
“…”
Truly a demoness.
But then, why couldn’t she feel happy?
Shaking her head to dismiss thoughts of her eyes, she shifted her focus to her tail.
This black tail was quite slender, probably no thicker than two fingers, yet it was nearly a meter long, extending from her tailbone, perpetually pointing upward. The end of the tail was a palm-sized fork, resembling a trident—it was hard and felt strangely weightless.
Suddenly having an extra appendage felt quite miraculous; she had no discomfort, as if it had always been there, and controlling the tail was quite easy.
However… if she didn’t specifically control it, the tail would inevitably start swaying.
Just like a leg jittering without one realizing it.
A bit… annoying.
After staring at her tail for a while, Xia Xinyan simply reached out and grabbed it.
She initially intended to stop its movement, but the electric jolt that ran through her body made her shudder, her legs even going weak.
… Too… sensitive!
【That’s the nature of the demoness; this system suggests the host could mate with their original self to obtain more pleasure…】
“Get lost!”
Clutching the bed, she pulled herself up and slowly lay down on it.
Her limp body left only the tail still standing high.
She wanted to freeze this ability.
Not to mention, during a real fight, if by mistake someone touched her tail, wouldn’t that spell disaster for her?
【The host need not worry; upon entering combat mode, the demoness can adjust her state to protect this weakness. The tail is a powerful weapon unique to the demoness; if mastered, it can significantly enhance the host’s combat prowess】
Xia Xinyan ignored it and quietly retracted her transformation, the tail swiftly disappearing under her clothes, then she covered herself with the blanket, entering a shut-down mode.
This was at least the nth time she pondered why she had to be reborn.
Meanwhile, in another bedroom, Ling Mo was also caught up in his troubles—
“Damn! Have you really played that game? I heard it’s super realistic; is it true?” The excited voice in his headphones was filled with envy and just a hint of jealousy.
Ling Mo hesitated as he muttered, “It is realistic… but this game… how to put it… sigh, I’m so frustrated, Hao Nan.”
“What do you have to be frustrated about? You’ve got Miss Xia hanging around, and now you can even play this heavenly game so early, damn, why aren’t I you? If I were you, I’d be waking up laughing every night.”
“… It’s not that simple, really.” Ling Mo sighed, lowering his voice to ask, “By the way, why do you think Xia Xinyan would take a liking to me?”
“Who knows? Maybe she has some ulterior motives.”
Hearing that, Ling Mo paused for a moment before saying, “I think so too.”
“Ha…” The voice on the line laughed mockingly, threatening, “So you’re not coming back to sleep today, huh? Are you going to live together with Miss Xia from now on? You better be careful; who knows, you might wake up missing a kidney one day.”
“… That shouldn’t happen.” Ling Mo frowned slightly.
“How could it not? What if you’re the only one with a compatible kidney? Otherwise, why do you think Miss Xia would ever notice you? Your looks? Don’t get too cocky, bro; she’s a rich girl, probably had seen way handsomer guys than you in movies.”
“…”
The voice chat abruptly fell silent.
Until Ling Mo gave his third unresponsive cue, finally prompting the other party to break the silence, “Damn! Look at what you’re playing! Can you be serious for once?”
Ling Mo stared at the screen displaying DEAD and didn’t respond.
“… Hey, you can’t be taking what I just said seriously, right?” Noticing his unusual silence, the other laughed, “Did you hit your head? What is the Xia Family? If they wanted a compatible kidney, they wouldn’t need to go through all this hassle, let alone send Miss Xia herself as bait? That’s criminal! I’m not belittling you; you genuinely don’t match—there are probably only a few in our entire school that do.”
After a brief pause, the person continued, “I’m serious, Old Ling. There’s truly nothing about your meager assets that’s enticing; Miss Xia boldly approaching you is probably because she genuinely likes you. Don’t think too much about it; just enjoy it. She’s thrown herself at you; don’t you remember how you always said you wanted to find a girlfriend? The opportunity’s right there; paranoia is unhelpful, really.”
Ling Mo: “…”
It seems… there might be some truth to that.
