He woke up with a gasp.
The stale, metallic tang of blood filled Nath's nostrils, a stark contrast to the cloying scent of dust and concrete that had defined his previous life. He coughed, a dry, raspy sound that reverberated strangely in his chest, and then, a jolt.
He stared into the body of water keenly and after moving his arms around a bit, he confirmed that this stranger staring back at him was indeed 'himself'
"W-what in the...?"
His eyes, which he now realized were a shade of crimson, blinked rapidly.
He wasn't in a hospital, neither was he on the dusty, dense construction site.
More importantly, how had he managed to survive the previous ordeal, or had it all been a dream?
The flickering candlelight of what supposedly looked like a medieval bedchamber cast long, dancing shadows across opulent tapestries depicting archaic luxury and exquisite design.
And then there was the body.
Not *his* body, not the slightly paunchy, more lean than muscular, and perpetually exhausted frame of Nath Ruphus. This body was more muscled than lean, and, to his absolute astonishment, creepily attractive.
A glance down revealed a chiseled chest, a flat stomach, lined with perfect abs and a pair of hands that looked more suited for wielding a sword than a concrete block.
"System Initializing... Welcome, Host. You have successfully reincarnated into the body of Tyrus, the third Prince of the Night Court."
He jolted in shock as a holographic blue screen shimmered into existence before his eyes, almost making him yelp. "System? What in the fantasy novel is this?" he asked himself as he shielded his eyes from the brightness of the screen.
"Reincarnation complete," the emotionless voice continued. "Host's previous consciousness, Nath Ruphus, has been merged with Tyrus. Please acknowledge your new identity."
Nath—no, Tyrus, apparently—stared at the screen. "Acknowledge? What if I don't?" he folded his arms stubbornly.
"Failure to acknowledge will result in system malfunction and potential permanent psychological damage. Acknowledge."
"Alright, alright! I acknowledge, jeez!" Tyrus grumbled, rubbing his temples.
-This was a lot to take in. Incubus? Prince? He was just trying to get through Monday-
Then the memories hit him;
-He had tried to play hero and lost his life in the process...so was he up in Heaven for such a selfless sacrifice?-
He looked around him;
-Nah, this definitely wasn't Heaven-
"Acknowledgement received. Initiating Skill Acquisition Phase. Based on Host's past life's psychological profile and current racial attributes, three core skills will be granted."
The screen flickered, displaying three distinct icons.
1. ACT OF VALOR (Passive - Rank E)
"Drawing upon your past life's hidden courage and the innate predatory instincts of your new form, you gain a minor boost to physical attributes (Strength, Agility) when facing a direct threat. This boost is proportional to the perceived danger and your determination"
*Effect: +10% to Strength and Agility when actively confronting a dangerous opponent or situation. Percentage increases with the more creatures you kill*
Tyrus blinked.
"Act of Valor? Never in my previous existence had I been brave about anything...I guess one last act of courage completely boosted my status..."
He felt a faint hum beneath his skin, a subtle tingling that made him feel… a little more capable than he used to.
2. LUSTFUL VIRGIN (Passive - Rank E)
"Though now an Incubus, your past life's lack of romantic experience combined with your new form's inherent allure creates a paradoxical, potent effect. Your genuine confusion and slight awkwardness in romantic situations enhance your charm, making you seem endearingly innocent and therefore more captivating to certain individuals"
*Effect: +30% to Charm and Persuasion when interacting with individuals of romantic interest. Unknowingly emits a subtle, compelling aura. Percentage increases with number of women you add to your harem*
Tyrus choked;
"Lustful Virgin?! Are you serious?!" His cheeks, which he now noticed were strangely pale, flushed crimson.
The irony was so thick, he could practically taste it. He'd been a virgin his whole life, and now, as an Incubus, that was a *skill*?
This system had a dark sense of humor. He felt a weird warmth radiating from his core, a confusing mix of embarrassment and… a strange, almost magnetic pull.
3. ALERT SPEED (Passive - Rank B)
"Your years spent lifting blocks and working in unfavourable conditions requiring your utter attention and alertness has heightened your situational awareness. This, combined with an Incubus's natural agility, grants you improved reaction time and perception of immediate threats"
*Effect: +15% to Reaction Speed and Perception. Can subtly detect changes in environment or intent that others might miss. Percentage increases in proportion with Act of Valor*
"Okay, this one actually sounds realistic" Tyrus thought, as a small sigh of relief escaped his lips.
All those hours of working off his ass at dusty construction sites had actually paid off.
He felt his senses sharpen, the faint scent of cold parchment, the distant drip of water, the subtle shift in the candlelight – all seemed more vivid, more immediate.
"Skill Acquisition Complete," the system announced.
"Host is now ready to begin their progression. Current Status: Tyrus, Incubus Prince, Level 1. Main Quest: Survive and Thrive in the Demon King's Night Court."
Tyrus stared at the screen, then at his reflection in a polished silver plate. Crimson eyes stared back, framed by long, dark hair.
This was really happening. He was an Incubus Prince with a system that seemed to mock his past life even as it empowered him.
He couldn't get rid of the anxiety;
-Was he expected to just forget all about his past life and start anew, not that his old life was anything worth living but the concept of completely abandoning the life of Nath Ruphus was so alarming and inevitable-
He stared down at the water again which he now perceived was set up for an indoor bath;
-The face of Tyrus stared back; who even was Tyrus?; Had he died?; How would people not instantly realise that he was in fact not Tyrus when he knew nothing about the way Tyrus acted?-
Nath- no Tyrus, had to admit he was scared.
The reality of the whole thing ACTUALLY happening was more scary than any fantasy novel Zeke gisted him about could ever depict.
A knock echoed at the heavy oak door;
"Prince Tyrus? Are you through with your bath? The Grand Council meeting will soon begin."
A soft, gentle feminine voice.
Tyrus felt a strange tingling in his loins.
He ignored it and swallowed.
His new, more powerful heart thudding in his chest.
"Act of Valor, huh? Well, this certainly feels like a direct threat to my sanity."
He took a deep breath, the lingering scent of something vaguely alluring still clinging to his new skin, courtesy of his "Lustful Virgin" skill.
This was going to be a long, strange day.