"Stop sucking me, dammit!"
Isaac felt like he was dying. He swung his hand to kill the blood-sucking mosquitoes.
The buzzing stopped.
He hoped he had killed at least a few of them, but he didn't get up to confirm.
The buzzing returned soon.
Grumbling, Isaac pulled the blanket up and covered himself from head to toe.
He wanted to sleep desperately.
Tomorrow was the Awakening Ceremony.
Students would get access to the Awakening Crystal and awaken their [Talents].
Their futures would be decided by the Talents they received.
Ninety percent would not awaken anything.
They would have to live mundane lives, go for 9-5 jobs, and depend on the government who protected the walls, stopping monsters from invading their fortified cities.
The rest of the ten percent who would awaken Talents would become privileged members of society.
They would gain the power to go out into the wastelands, level up, and gain treasures.
Even those with the lowest F-rank Talent would gain immense benefits, like being able to enter good universities with scholarships.
Isaac hoped he could get something better than F-rank Talent.
Like a C-rank Talent, or maybe even an A-rank Talent.
As for an S-rank Talent, it was so far beyond that Isaac dared not imagine it, thinking he might not get anything if he was too greedy.
"Gaaah! I can't sleep like this!"
Isaac sat up straight.
He looked around for the mosquitoes and tried to kill them.
Silence appeared, only for it to be broken again by the buzzing of mosquitoes a few seconds later.
"Let me sleep, please. I haven't slept for a few days already.
"Just let me sleep today. I need to be in perfect condition, both physically and mentally, to increase the chances of awakening."
The mosquitoes continued to buzz around.
Isaac covered his face, wondering why he had bought the stupid apartment.
Many people had warned him that this place was haunted.
But it was all a hoax.
Isaac had searched carefully.
He found no conclusive evidence of the apartment being haunted except for the rumors. The cheap cost had turned him blind to problems associated with the apartment.
"Dammit, just let me sleep!"
Only a week had passed since he came to this apartment, and he was regretting choosing this place already.
Just then, the clock struck twelve.
[Bonded Blessings System binding in process.]
[Bonded Blessings System has been bound.]
A holographic screen suddenly materialized before Isaac.
He swung his hand instinctively, and it phased through the screen.
"What…."
Isaac's eyes widened.
He was a reincarntor from Earth.
Naturally, he knew what the screen before him was.
"Holy shit, I awakened a system!
"What can it do?"
[Host can share the abilities, skills, and progress of his wives with himself.]
"Can you tell me in detail—"
Isaac's words were stuck in his throat when he sensed the cold gripping his neck.
He froze.
An unnatural fear invaded his heart, and he felt as if someone was whispering in his ears.
"I… am…. hungry."
"I… am…. hungry."
Isaac's heart sank.
There was a ghost in this house! The rumors had been right!
A powerful sleepiness attacked his mind.
He started to feel weak, as if someone was draining his life out from him.
His vision blurred, and his eyelids became heavier than mountains.
'Dammit, I just awakened my system! I'm not dying without getting its benefits!'
He struggled to stand.
The heavy lethargy was pulling him down into the abyss of sleep.
'System, can you help me?'
'System!'
There was no response.
Isaac dug his nails into his palms. He hoped the pain would help him stay awake.
If he passed out now, he was dead.
Suddenly, an idea struck him.
"W-Wait!" he gasped. "Miss ghost, please marry me before you kill me!"
The cold, invisible force that had been draining his strength froze, as if caught off guard.
"I want to marry you," he repeated.
It was a shot in the dark.
The system told him he would gain benefits from having wives.
If he married the ghost, the system might give him a powerful reward that could help him save his life.
The ghost remained silent.
'Fuck, is it even a female ghost?'
Isaac suddenly realized he might've made a grave mistake.
The ghost could be a man. Or maybe a ghost of a monster.
Isaac shivered as he thought of marrying a zombie-like corpse with three legs.
He clenched his teeth.
If it was for survival, then—
A screen interrupted his thoughts.
[A suitable target detected in host's vicinity.]
Followed by the first screen, Isaac saw a pop-up appear in the air far from him.
[Emily Warren]
[Age: 19 (At time of death)]
[Rating: 95]
[Personality: Gentle, kind.]
[Likes: Piano music, scent of old books, rain, honest and hardworking people, feeling of nostalgia even if bittersweet.]
[Dislikes: Loud noises, being forgotten or ignored, cold drafts that make her presence known too easily, the whispers in her mind that aren't her own.]
[Status: Flabbergasted by your question, starving.]
The screen stunned Isaac.
'This thing looks like an Inspect skill.'
'It must be showing me the identity of the ghost.'
'Emily Warren… A female ghost?'
The screen started to move around the room.
Isaac realized the screen was following the ghost.
"I've been single my whole life," he said quickly. "At least let me experience what it feels like to have a wife. Then you can suck all my energy, completely."
"...You can see me?" A soft, feminine voice echoed from the darkness.
Isaac should've been happy that he got a response.
However, the voice brought a biting cold with it.
An unnatural, overpowering sense of fear started to seep into his mind.
Isaac's lips trembled.
His heart pounded like a war drum as he felt the chilling cold cut into him.
As he kept staring at the moving screen, it stopped, and moved closer to him.
Isaac could not see the ghost.
But judging from the screen, she must be standing in front of him.
"I'm hungry," she said.
"W-What about the marriage?" he replied.
...
"Why do you want to marry me?"
"It was a love at first sight!"
"Love at first sight…?"
The ghost seemed to think Isaac could see her.
He decided to take full advantage of the misunderstanding.
"Yes. I fell in love as soon as I saw you. In fact, I came to this place just to get more chances to meet you."
He continued with a sincere expression.
"Miss Ghost, I know how to cook, clean, wash clothes.
"I can keep the house spotless, make you delicious meals, and even give you massages after a long night of haunting people! I'd be the best husband you could ask for!"
"…You're seriously selling yourself to me?" the voice asked.
"Absolutely! You won't find a more devoted husband than me! Just give it a shot, and if you don't like it, well… you can still eat me later."
The ghost said nothing for a long time.
Isaac grew nervous.
But he kept his act up.
"Haha, I guess I'm bound to be rejected."
He did his best to fake a sad expression.
The ghost remained silent.
But since she hadn't eaten him yet, his sales pitch had to be working.
Or so, Isaac hoped.
He doubled his efforts and made the most melancholic expression that ever appeared on his face.
"I'm an orphan. Ever since I was a child, I always longed for love. But I had no one. I thought maybe that would change with you. I guess I was being delusional," he said with a pitiful expression.
Silence again.
'Why isn't she saying yes? Don't tell me she will refuse?'
Isaac started to sweat. He should've taken some acting classes, dammit!
Just when he thought it was the end, the status screen moved towards him.
"Do you really like me?"
"I do," he replied, hoping she wasn't a monster ghost with spider-like body.
"Okay, fine." The ghost spoke as if she had made a tough decision. "But don't think for a moment I won't drain your life."
A cool sensation brushed against his lips, silencing his response.
Isaac's eyes widened.
He couldn't see her, but he felt her.
Her soft lips, cold as death, melded against his.
The sensation was strangely pleasant.
Despite the chill, a tingling sensation ran down his spine.
His heart pounded, and an inexplicable warmth spread through his chest.
[Bonded Blessings System Activated.]
[Marriage Contract formed with Emily Warren, the Ghost Bride.]
[Host has received a Newbie Gift Package for his first kiss with his wife.]
The system notifications flashed before his eyes, but before he could even focus on them, a sudden wave of weakness crashed over him.
His limbs felt heavy, his vision dimmed, and his heartbeat slowed.
Her soft, supple lips were still pressed against his.
And she was sucking the life out of him.
Isaac tried to pull back, but his body wouldn't move.
His energy was draining too fast.
'Newbie package!' Isaac called within his mind, knowing he couldn't escape the ghost unless he had a trick up his sleeve.
[Opening Newbie Gift Package.]
[SSS-rank Appearance upgrade received.]
Isaac felt a light source appear within his mind.
He could use it with a thought, and his appearance would receive a tremendous upgrade.
The reward was good.
But….
'What the hell?'
'Give me something to escape this situation!'
Isaac felt wronged.
This system was a scam!
It wasn't helping him at all!
His consciousness blurred.
"W-wait." He barely managed to eek out a few words. "I need to breathe."
She pulled back slightly.
He could feel her ragged breaths against his skin.
They made his heart beat faster.
She kept her hands wrapped around his neck, as if to make sure he couldn't escape.
"Why stop?"
Followed by her voice, the darkness before him shifted, and a figure emerged.
Isaac's breath caught in his throat.
She was picturesque.
Platinum-white hair cascaded down her shoulders like strands of silk.
Her skin was pale, almost translucent, glowing faintly in the dim light.
Her eyes were a mesmerizing azure, like the oceans.
She was dressed in an elegant, flowing gown that seemed to be woven from moonlight itself.
A faint blush covered the tip of her ears as she stared into his eyes.
Isaac's mind blanked for a moment. He had never seen anyone so beautiful.
"Are we doing something wrong? You said this was what you wanted," she questioned, misunderstanding his gaze.
"I did?"
Isaac was stunned. He wondered when he asked for a minute-long kiss.
"You said you wanted us to be husband and wife. Isn't what we are doing something only couples do?" she asked hesitantly.
Her innocent expression almost made him say yes, and take advantage of her.
However, his survival instincts kicked in.
"There are steps to everything. We should get to know each other first, then move to things like kiss—"
"We are married already. We can do kisses and more."
Isaac clamped his mouth shut.
He really wanted to cry.
Since when did ghosts become so logical?
She mistook his silence as a sign of approval, and her arms pulled him in for another kiss.
Seeing her now, touching her, made everything feel more vivid.
Her lips were sweet like marshmallows.
Isaac found himself losing in them.
He pinched himself hard and used the pain to remain clearheaded.
His eyes darted around for a way to escape.
He suddenly noticed something.
An arrow symbol existed on system's status window of Emily.
He willed to click on it, and Emily's status window changed, as if a page was being flipped, and a new screen appeared.
Name: Emily Warren
Title: None
Species: Netherborn Phantom Empress
Rank: Initiate, Lv. 9 (Share)
Stats (Share):
Strength: 22
Agility: 40
Constitution: 25
Spirit Power: 45
Mana: 60
Skills (Share):
Spectral Claws (SSS rank) – Can extend razor-sharp spectral claws that ignore physical armor.
Life Drain (A rank) – Drains vitality from the target, restoring Emily's energy.
Phantom Step (SSS rank) – Moves through physical objects and attacks by phasing between realms.
Demonic Eyes (S rank) – Allows Emily to see souls, illusions, and weak points in enemy defenses.
'W-what is this status?'
Isaac had trouble believing his eyes.
Initiate was the first rank. A Level 9 Initiate would typically have an average of 19 in all stats.
It made no sense that some of her stats were near and above 50.
Her skills were even more frightening.
In human terms, only an Awakener with an SSS-rank Talent could have SSS-rank skills.
These Awakeners were the pride of a nation.
They were treated as royalty!
But they would have only one SSS-rank skill before they reached Level 10 Initiate.
Emily had two SSS-rank skills, one S-rank skill and one A-rank skill!
She was only Level 9!
'Her Life Drain skill is A-rank. She should be instantly able to kill me.'
'She is serious about letting me feel like I've married her before she kills me. That's why she is slowing the draining.'
Although her actions spoke of her kindness, it didn't change Isaac's situation.
He was still dying.
Just then, Isaac noticed the (Share) option that was present in multiple parts.
'What is this—'
His thoughts were cut short as a screen sprang before him.
[Would you like to share your wife Emily Warren's experience points with you?]
...
Isaac was surprised by the notification.
If he chose yes, would Emily lose her experience points, and her level would fall as they went to Isaac?
Or would she keep her level?
There was no time to hesitate.
Isaac chose 'yes'.
[Sharing experience points.]
[You have leveled up x9.]
[All Stats +9.]
He felt a surge of power within himself.
Name: Isaac Hargraves
Title: None
Talent: Unawakened
Rank: None → Initiate, Lv. 9
Stats:
Strength: 8 → 17
Agility: 9 → 18
Constitution: 7 → 16
Spirit Power: 10 → 19
Mana: 00 → 09
Isaac was stunned when he saw the screen.
It almost made him forget he was dying.
'How did I get a status screen? I thought only those who have awakened their Talents could get it.'
The increase in stats made him incredibly powerful.
The life drain slowed, but only by a small amount.
'Constitution is directly related to life force, and so is the Rank.'
'If I can increase them, I should be able to resist her drain skill!'
His eyes moved towards the Share option.
'I shared the Rank already.'
'But I haven't shared Stats.'
'Share! Share everything with me!'
Isaac had no idea how many Constitution stats he needed to resist the A-rank Life Drain skill.
He could only hope the stats he would gain were enough.
A powerful surge of warmth bubbled within Isaac, much stronger than before.
His muscles grew denser and leaner.
His physique improved, and he could feel he had grown stronger and faster.
Name: Isaac Hargraves
Title: None
Talent: Unawakened
Rank: Initiate, Lv. 9
Stats:
Strength: 17 → 39
Agility: 18 → 58
Constitution: 16 → 41
Spirit Power: 19 → 64
Mana: 09 → 69
His eyes widened.
The stats he gained from her were combined with his earlier stats.
It made him stronger than Emily!
Emily was surprised.
If she had been sucking water (life force) from a bottle before, now it felt like she was trying to drain a pool.
The life force within Isaac had grown suddenly abundant.
Isaac's happy expression was snuffed out quickly.
He realized something.
'Dammit, the Life Drain slowed, but it's still pretty strong.'
Constitution had been one of Emily's weakest stats.
Although he gained a lot, it was far from enough to save himself.
Isaac, having expected this, moved quickly.
'Share skills!'
Name: Isaac Hargraves
Title: None
Talent: Unawakened
Rank: Initiate, Lv. 9
Stats:
Strength: 39
Agility: 58
Constitution: 41
Spirit Power: 64
Mana: 69
Skills:
Spectral Claws (SSS rank) – Can extend razor-sharp spectral claws that ignore physical armor.
Life Drain (A rank) – Drains vitality from the target, restoring your energy.
Phantom Step (SSS rank) – Moves through physical objects and attacks by phasing between realms.
Demonic Eyes (S rank) – Allows you to see souls, illusions, and weak points in enemy defenses.
Isaac was sure he could fight against any Initiate-rank Awakener with his stats and win.
With the skills, he might be able to fight even Adept-rank Awakeners!
Those Awakeners, while not at the top, were still respected.
Isaac's academy ranked 3rd in his Sector, thanks to the principal, who was a Level 11 Adept-rank Awakener.
A single Adept-rank Awakener was enough to push their academy into the top 3.
That was the power of Adept-rank Awakeners!
He could now fight them!
Isaac quickly suppressed his excitement and got to work.
He used the Life Drain skill to suck Emily's life energy.
Her eyes widened, and she swiftly pulled back.
"How did you do that?"
"Did I do anything wrong?" he asked innocently.
"That… you took my energy, and now I feel more hungry…"
Emily stopped speaking.
She tilted her head and put her hand on her stomach.
"I don't feel hungry?"
The Life Drain skill allowed her to drain life energy from others.
Since ghosts didn't have life energy of their own, Emily had to use the skill to stay alive.
"Do you usually feel hungry?" Isaac questioned.
"Yes. Whenever I am low on life energy, I feel starved, my mind becomes muddled, and I start to act on instincts like other ghosts."
Isaac recalled how she had talked in broken sentences when she first appeared.
Then, she spoke normally after draining his life energy.
'So there was a reason behind it.'
"T-that…." Emily blushed. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For kissing you like that."
Her face was flushed.
In hunger, she accepted his deal easily, but she now realized what she had done.
"I was never going to kill you.
"I would've stopped draining your energy when it reached dangerous levels and disappeared. It shouldn't have been a problem since anyone can recover Life Energy over time.
"But when I heard you would let me eat as much energy as I wanted if I let you live, I thought, why not?"
She floated before him and apologized.
"I'm sorry for tricking you. It's just, whenever I'm hungry, it's hard for me to control my urges."
Emily explained her situation.
The rumors of the apartment being haunted prevented anyone from coming there.
She had nothing to eat and became starved.
After Isaac came, she had been eating his life energy every day in small quantities.
It was not enough, but she never went overboard.
Today, her hunger and instincts finally overcame her sense of reason, and she attacked him.
"It's okay. You don't need to apologize so much.
"I'm surprised as is that an Initiate-rank monster like you has sentience. As far as I know, monsters aren't supposed to be intelligent," Isaac said.
He attributed Emily's loss of reason to her identity as a monster.
'My life energy must've filled her stomach for now. That's why she isn't feeling hungry,' he thought.
"Monster? Are they different from you?" Emily asked curiously.
"You don't know about monsters?" It was Isaac's turn to be surprised.
"No, I can't leave this room. Ghosts can't leave their domain…."
Emily blinked, surprised.
She floated around the room and came back to Isaac.
"What did you do?"
"Pardon?"
"My link with the room's domain was severed and connected to you."
...
Did the System do that when it confirmed their marriage? Isaac could only think of it as the reason.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock on the door.
"I'll check it," he said before Emily disappeared, and went towards the apartment's entrance.
A tall woman dressed in a silk nightgown stood on the other side.
Her long, dark brown hair was slightly messy.
Her mature appearance, sharp cheekbones, full lips, and piercing golden eyes gave her a commanding presence.
The nightgown clung to her curves, accentuating her well-endowed figure and a waist so slim it could make any man drool.
In her hand, she held a cigar, the tip glowing faintly as she took a slow drag.
The scent of tobacco mixed with the faint floral fragrance of her perfume.
Catherine Lorrain, his teacher, and the owner of the building. Her room was on the floor above.
She was the one who had helped him get this apartment for a ridiculously low price.
Isaac glanced at the cigar, then back at her.
"Professor Lorrain," he greeted, keeping his voice relaxed. "It's pretty late. Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Catherine smirked, exhaling a thin trail of smoke.
"I could ask you the same."
She stepped inside without waiting for permission. The way she carried herself made it clear she was used to doing it.
Isaac closed the door behind her, watching as she glanced around the room.
She took another drag from her cigar, tapping the ash into a small metal case she carried.
"I was making preparations for tomorrow," she said casually.
"Preparations?" Isaac asked, following her with his eyes.
"For the Awakening Ceremony. Big day, after all."
Isaac stiffened slightly. Right. Tomorrow was the day when he and the other students would awaken their Talents.
That was the whole reason he had been trying to sleep desperately—to keep his mind fresh and increase the chances of Awakening.
Catherine walked around slowly.
Her gaze swept over the room as if searching for something.
Isaac stayed still, trying not to look nervous. Her timing was strange. Brash as she was, coming to meet him in the night was not like her.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"Yes."
Catherine turned to him, her golden eyes narrowing.
"The spiritual bond tying the Ghost to this room… it's broken."
Isaac was shocked.
He forcefully calmed the storm of thoughts that was about to erupt and acted naturally.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Isaac," she said, stepping closer to him. "Did you forget about my skill?"
"…Lie Detection."
"That skill tells me you just lied."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry for lying."
Isaac quickly decided to change his approach.
"I know about the ghost. Found about it today. But I don't know how the bond broke. I don't even know what a bond is," he said.
"You have no idea how the bond broke?"
"I do have an idea, but honestly, chances are high I'm wrong."
"That's understandable. You haven't been taught about beast bonds, so you wouldn't know how they work."
Catherine nodded.
She took another look at the room before turning around to leave.
"I came here to see if the ghost had escaped. Good night," she said, wondering if the bond had malfunctioned.
"Professor, how did you know about the ghost, and why did you give this room to me?" he asked quickly before she could leave.
"You asked for a cheap room."
"But you should give a safe—"
"You got a room, and she got food. It was a win-win for both sides. It's not like she kills anyone."
'Then give your own life energy to her, you stinky fox,' he grumbled mentally.
Catherine stopped at the door and turned around to face him.
"Don't do anything weird to her. I'm going to make her my tamed beast."
Isaac suddenly had an ominous premonition.
"May I ask how are you planning to do that?"
"I will transfer her bond to me."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
Isaac started to sweat.
Catherine would kill him if she knew he had received Emily's bond.
"Why do you suddenly look nervous?"
"…"
"Answer me, brat."
'Dammit, not that question! How am I supposed to lie to a direct question like that!?'
Isaac gritted his teeth.
"I kissed her."
"…what?"
"I kissed Emily."
His words diverted Catherine's attention from the bond to the kiss.
"You kissed a ghost? Are you sexually frustrated?"
Isaac's eyebrow twitched.
"Whatever," she said, exhaling another puff of smoke. "You can do whatever you want with her as long as she consents. Just don't help her escape."
"Escape?"
"If she escapes, I can't make a bond with her. Make sure that doesn't happen."
She flicked the last bit of ash from her cigar into her case and turned toward the door.
"I'll be back tomorrow with something to do about the bond. Goodnight."
She shut the door behind her, and left.
Isaac let out a slow breath. His body relaxed now that she was gone.
'I barely managed to dodge a disaster.'
Emily reappeared, and floated in front of him.
Her translucent form shimmered faintly in the dim light, and her silver hair flowed like mist.
She had a thoughtful look on her face.
Isaac's eyes were involuntarily drawn to her fingers placed on her pink lips.
He gulped recalling the kiss they had shared.
"Isaac," she hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers. "That kiss… I liked it."
"Uh, okay?"
Emily's eyes became serious, as if she had made a choice.
She looked at him straight in the eye.
"We're husband and wife now, right?"
"Technically, yeah."
"Then… should we do what husbands and wives do?"
Isaac almost choked on his own breath.
"What?"
"I mean… I liked kissing you, and I want to do it again. More than just kissing. You also said you loved me."
The tip of Emily's ears was red as a tomato.
She was embarrassed.
But maybe because she had not lived in human society and was not well-versed with it, she was able to speak about her needs without the thought of hiding it due to embarrassment.
Isaac stared at Emily.
She had a generous bosom that strained against the thin, translucent fabric of her dress.
Her waist was slim, perfectly accentuating the curve of her hips.
The dress she wore clung to her just enough to highlight her shapely thighs.
The sight was enough to make any man loose control.
"Isaac?" she flew closer to him. "Is that a no?"
Isaac's mind churned.
Doing the deed with a ghost, even as beautiful and alluring as Emily, would cement his identity as a sexual deviant.
But…
'Won't I get rewards for it?'
His mind drifted back to how he had received a reward for their first kiss.
...
Maybe intimacy had some kind of effect?
If so… wouldn't it be stupid to refuse?
'Yeah. I'm doing this for rewards. For getting stronger. It's not because I want to do it.'
Isaac shivered as Emily's cold body pressed against his.
Their movements were slow at first, hesitant, but as the night stretched on, instinct took over.
Emily clung to him, and asked for more kisses with a dreamy expression.
Her sweet voice, soft touch, and the pure innocent neediness in her voice pierced through all hesitation Isaac had.
The room filled with quiet gasps and lingering touches until, finally, exhaustion claimed them both.
[Host has received Soulbind Pendant x1, Random Gift Box x1]
The morning light streamed through the window, casting soft golden hues across the room.
Isaac blinked awake.
The space beside him was empty.
"Was that a dream?"
He clasped his face.
Was he so desperate that he was fantasizing about sleeping with a ghost?
A sudden noise from the kitchen broke his thoughts.
Isaac turned his head sharply, only to see utensils floating in midair.
Plates and cups moved on their own. A pan sizzled on the stove.
He rubbed his eyes, but the sight didn't change.
As he tried to 'see' what was happening, he felt an unfamiliar energy stirring in his eyes.
[Demonic Eyes] activated.
He heard a voice in his head, and he looked at the kitchen again.
Emily was there. She floated around with a determined expression, and prepared the meal in an apron.
It made her look strangely cute.
She turned to him and smiled.
"Good morning."
"….Morning."
"Come let's have breakfast."
Isaac sat down at the small table. He was still coming terms to reality as he eyed the steaming plate of food Emily placed before him.
She sat next to him, and watched him with an eager expression.
"Try it."
"What about your share? There is only one plate here."
"I don't need to eat. Food doesn't give me energy." She smiled lightly. "I'd prefer that you eat. I can take the energy from you later."
"You should still eat. Quite a lot of people eat for taste."
"Your lips taste better," she murmured.
Isaac smiled as he took a bite out of the food.
"It's delicious."
"Thank you."
Emily smiled sheepishly.
He called his System as he ate.
His Constitution had increased by one after the last night's exercise. So had Emily's. He shared her stat with himself, and his Constitution increased by a total of 2 after the night.
He checked the notification history.
[Host has received Soulbind Pendent x1, Random Gift x1 for his first marital night with his wife, Emily Warren.]
A pendant appeared beneath his shirt.
He took it out and examined it.
The pendent was a small slab of black stone. Its surface was polished but had faint, ancient-looking cracks running through it.
He could sense a large empty house within it.
The building was fully furnished with multiple bedrooms, kitchen on both floor, and a small garden outside.
"Isaac, what is that?"
"Something's wrong?"
He noticed the strange way Emily looked at the pendent.
"Nothing. It just feel like I can enter it."
Isaac raised his brow.
The pendent was the size of his thumb, and Emily was at least 168 cm (5'6). She could enter the pendent with her size?
Incidents like these made him realize he was in another world.
His train of thought came to a screeching halt when he heard the doorbell.
He instantly realized who was at the door.
Professor Lorrain.
"Get inside the pendent," he told Emily, and swiftly moved.
She nodded before turning into a ray of light and entering the pendent.
He could sense her appear within the house.
Then, Isaac opened the door, greeting Professor Lorraine.
Unlike last night, she was dressed properly in a button-up shirt and well-tailored pants, but that didn't do much to hide her figure.
The shirt clung tightly to her chest.
The fabric seemed one wrong move away from giving up , and the way her pants hugged her waist and hips only emphasized her curves.
"Morning, Professor."
"Morning."
She stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.
Her nose wrinkled slightly, as she sniffed the air.
"I noticed a board outside Blackmire Pond few weeks back," she said, referring to a small, murky body of water near the city walls. "It had a notice saying, Please don't molest the crocodiles, they are afraid."
Isaac blinked, confused.
"I was wondering what kind of person would try to touch a crocodile. They are aggressive monsters after all." Her eyes locked onto his. "Now I know."
His brow twitched.
She ignored his reaction and continued looking around the room.
"Where is Emily?"
"She wasn't next to me when I woke up," he replied, then deliberately spoke in a slow, nervous tone. "Maybe she escaped?"
"She can't escape. There is a barrier around the room that stops all spectral enties from moving through it."
Isaac's stomach tightened.
He realized Professor Lorrain was serious about making Emily her Beast pet.
He had looked up about Bonded Beasts during the breakfast.
They were slaves.
Their so-called masters tamed them, and forced them to obey.
Some rumors said the masters could manipulate the Bonded Beast's mind and feelings.
They could force the beast to like them.
"So, where is she?"
Isaac remained silent, but he felt incredibly nervous.
Professor Lorrain came to defeat a ghost, who was as strong as Adept-rank Awakener, in her usual teaching attire, as if it was just another Tuesday for her.
'If she tries to take Emily from me forcefully, I would have no choice but to fight. I'm not giving Emily to someone who can manipulate her mind.'
He could escape even if he couldn't win.
He had Phantom Step (SSS rank).
An SSS-rank movement skill was nothing to be underestimated.
Lorraine smirked as if she could see the thoughts running through his mind.
"It's fine if you don't know where she went," she said casually. "You should focus on Talent Awakening. It's an important event in your life."
Isaac frowned.
"You know what?" she continued. "Get ready. I'll drive you to the academy. Think of it as a special service from me."
'What is she—'
A cold sweat ran down his back when he saw her faint smile.
...
'There is no way she planned that far ahead.'
'I must be overthinking it.'
As much as he wished against it, he understood he was correct.
Talent Awakening could change a person's fate.
A fool could become a genius. A beggar could turn into a king.
Talent determined everything—status, power, future.
'She wants to see what Talent I'll awaken.'
If it was high-ranked, she'd try to use Emily as a bargaining chip. After all, she couldn't see Emily's stats.
To her, having someone with an S-rank Talent or higher in her debt was likely more valuable than a single ghost.
'And if I awaken a weak Talent…'
A chill crawled down his spine.
She could imprison Emily, her to-be Beast Bond, in a room as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
There was no need to wonder what she would do to him.
He would be lucky if he was not tortured.
Isaac stepped into the shower while Lorraine remained in the hall.
Warm water cascaded over his skin.
'Isaac, what is happening?' Emily's voice echoed in his head
'Nothing serious,' Isaac said while holding the pendant.
He was thankful for this inbuilt function of the pendant. It helped him communicate easily.
'Rest for now. I'll call you out when there's time,' he told her.
'Okay,' she replied cheerfully.
After finishing up, he got dressed and followed Lorraine to her car.
The ride to the academy was silent.
Radiant Crest Academy was one of the oldest academies in the city.
It used to be ranked in the Top 10 within the city, but over time, its performance had declined.
Now, it barely held a spot in the Top 3 of Sector 14, which was barely average, considering there were 40 sectors in the city.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the academy gates.
They were massive.
Their age was evident by the weathered stone walls and towering gates.
Thousands of students flooded the entrance.
Excited chatter filled the air. Some looked eager, others nervous.
"Good luck. I hope you get a high ranked Talent."
"Thanks."
Professor Lorrain drove the car towards the staff gate after dropping him off.
Isaac took a deep breath and followed the crowd toward the ground where the awakening would take place.
The path led to a large open field where thousands of students were gathered.
A massive test tube-like structure was placed at the very forefront.
It had a faintly glowing white crystal floating above it.
Isaac heard the murmurs of the students.
"I hope I awaken a D rank Talent!"
"I'm happy with any Talent. Just make it a combat-type please."
"Hahaha, today, I will awaken S-rank Talent!"
"Isaac!"
He turned around when he heard the familiar voice.
Peter and Alice were approaching him.
Peter was a round-bellied guy with an easygoing smile. His eyes were filled with mischief as always.
Alice, on the other hand, had a cold, indifferent expression. She was the campus belle of Radiant Crest Academy, known for breaking many hearts.
Peter grinned as he walked up.
"Are you nervous?"
"I am."
"Hahaha! Don't joke! If you're nervous, what about the rest of us? You're our role model, man!"
Isaac rolled his eyes at Peter's words.
As a reincarnator, he had always worked hard to achieve the best results.
But no matter how strong he was physically or how sharp his mind was, it wouldn't mean much if he awakened a weak Talent.
Of course, he never planned to blame his failure on luck. That was why he had always pushed himself harder than anyone else.
'But now I have the System.'
He clenched his fist. Determination burned within his gaze.
At that moment, the crowd quieted as the principal appeared and stepped onto the stage.
The elderly man with graying hair and sharp eyes surveyed the students before speaking in a steady voice.
"Today marks the beginning of your future. Talent Awakening will decide your path, but it is only the first step. Whether you rise or fall depends on your determination and hard work. Now, let the Awakening begin!"
The students erupted into cheers.
The first student stepped forward and entered the massive test tube-like chamber.
A few seconds passed, and the Awakening Crystal floating above shimmered with a faint glow.
"Shielder, Combat Talent, F-rank!" the principal announced.
The student stepped out.
He was crying tears of happiness, relieved to have a Combat Talent.
The principal had a disappointed look in his eyes.
An F-rank Talent wouldn't take him far.
If he had a Life Talent, it might've been a different story.
Life Talents, even F-rank, were in high demand.
"Combat Talent, I wish I get one too."
"Dear god, I don't need a Life Talent. Just don't give me a Support Talent. Even Combat Talent is fine!"
"Only 1% of Awakener gets them. I doubt anyone among us will get that."
"Don't jinx it, or I will tickle your hole!"
"This time our school's has two geniuses! Alice, and Isaac. We are definitely getting a Life Talent!"
The students shouted amongst themselves.
Isaac shook his head.
He was explaining everything to Emily while the ceremony proceeded.
Hearing about new things excited her.
'Are Life Talents that good, Isaac?'
'They might not be strong in direct combat, but they are the most in demand, and without Awakeners with Life Talent, no city can be maintained,' he said. 'The only reason humanity is still surviving is because of them.'
'Isaac is going to awaken the strongest SSS-rank Life Talent!' Emily encouraged him.
'Thank you. I hope for the same.' Isaac laughed, knowing the chances of awakening an SSS-rank Life Talent were lower than winning a lottery.
He shifted his focus back to the ceremony.
"No Talent!"
"No Talent!"
"Super Tongue, Combat Talent, F-rank!"
"No Talent!"
"No Talent!"
"Wind Ranger, B-rank Talent!"
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
The girl with twin ponytails stood frozen for a moment on the stage.
She let out a sharp breath before grinning.
A B-rank Talent!
She was almost guaranteed a spot in the Top 10 Universities with her B-rank Talent!
Her future became bright in just one afternoon!
"Guys, it's my turn. I'll be back shortly," Peter winked and jogged toward the stage.
He was slightly out of breath as he stepped before the Awakening device.
The moment he entered, the Awakening Crystal shone brightly.
The glow forced the students standing close to the stage to close their eyes.
"Golem Master, Life Talent, S-rank!"
A roar of cheers erupted, far louder than earlier.
An S-rank Talent!
A Life Talent at that!
Peter was bound to become one of the most influential people in the city.
He even had a chance to become an Explorer—an elite who ventured beyond the city to hunt monsters.
Only the strongest could do that!
It was the highest status one could achieve!
"Congratulations, Peter Parkinson."
The principal clapped him on the shoulder with a wide smile.
It had been decades since their academy produced an S-rank Awakener.
As long as Peter got a good rank in the Unified University Exam, the Radiant Crest Academy could return to their former glory days!
They would no longer be called a washed up Academy!
Peter stepped down, grinning ear to ear, as more students were called.
No one awakened an A-rank Talent, let alone coming close to Peter.
"Coming through! Step aside, please."
Peter made his way back to Isaac and Alice. He shook hands and thanked those who congratulated him.
He stopped in front of his friends, still grinning.
"I got an S-rank Talent, baby!"
"Congrats," Isaac said.
"Good for you. Now you don't have to worry about losing the baby in your stomach," Alice added.
Peter patted his belly and laughed.
"I think I can afford another one here now."
Alice's brow twitched at his shamelessness.
It was her turn before she could say anything.
"Go break a leg!" Peter cheered.
Alice walked forward, her piercing red eyes fixed on the Awakening Machine.
The crowd naturally parted for her, overwhelmed by her charisma.
She had long legs, a slim waist, and just the right amount of muscle. Her arms and legs, while lean, were toned from years of training.
Her skin was milky white, smooth, and flawless—enough to make models jealous.
She stepped into the Awakening machine and waited with bated breath.
"No Talent!"
The principal's voice rang out.
Murmurs spread instantly.
Alice came from a wealthy family, had a sharp mind, and was an incredible beauty. Everyone had expected her to awaken a powerful Talent.
Whispers.
Snickers.
Pitying glances.
She ignored them all and walked back to Isaac and Peter.
"Uh… are you okay?" Peter asked hesitantly.
"I am," she replied without any change in expression. "Only 10% of people awaken a Talent. It all depends on luck. It's normal to be part of the majority."
Her voice was steady, but Isaac noticed the faint tremor in her hands.
"Isaac, it's your turn!" the principal called him before he could comfort Alice.
He took a deep breath and walked up to the stage.
"Isaac, good luck," the principal said, his voice filled with expectation.
Isaac nodded and stepped into the Awakening machine.
A powerful force invaded his mind.
It was forcefully stirring his soul.
...
Isaac grunted.
The power from the Awakening Crystal was forcefully stirring his potential.
It started to hurt.
'I don't think… this is supposed to happen…?'
He had heard the rumors that Awakening Crystals were made from the hearts of Overlord rank monsters. It was why some people refused to use them, afraid they would become part monster themselves by using its power.
They often rallied that Awakening Crystals were dangerous.
Isaac never believed those cultists.
Now, though, he wasn't sure anymore. Pain was a great eye-opener. Even if Awakening Crystals weren't made from the heart of monsters, they were dangerous.
A screen flickered before him when he felt the power surge within him from the depth of his soul.
Talent: Unawakened → Genesis Farmer
Rank: SSS
The pain disappeared leaving behind a soothing feeling.
Isaac was surprised when he noticed the name of his Talent.
Genesis Farmer.
In the apocalypse, food was the most precious resource. It made Farmer one of the most coveted Talents.
Their city was currently being supported by a B-rank Farmer.
Isaac had heard the B-rank Farmer was receiving better benefits than S-rank Talent Explorers. That was how valuable a farming Talent was.
First Talent Skill: Seed of Providence (Unlocked when user reaches Lv. 5 Initiate rank)
Skill Level: 1
Effect: Can instantly germinate a seed, and make it sprout. (24-hour cooldown)
Cost: 5 Mana (Scales with rarity of seed)
The skill pleasantly surprised Isaac.
Instantly sprouting a seed was too overpowered. Moreover, the skill would grow stronger as it leveled up!
His train of thought broke when he heard Emily's voice.
'Isaac…'
'It hurts…'
Isaac grabbed the pendant and looked into it. He realized the Talent Awakening Machine was affecting Emily.
'It looks exactly like how my Talent Awakening looked. How can ghosts awaken Talents? Aren't they monsters?' He couldn't help but wonder.
'Emily's status screen said she died at 19 years old, so maybe she was a human and can awaken a Talent because of it?' He thought to himself.
Since he could control which thoughts to transfer to Emily, he spoke his next thoughts to her, 'Emily, just hold on for a bit. It looks like you are awakening a Talent.'
'O…okay.'
The Awakening Crystal's energy rushed into Emily like an avalanche.
It stirred her potential and awakened it forcefully.
Emily was left drenched in sweat, and she was breathing heavily.
Isaac checked her status.
He focused only on the parts that had changed.
Name: Emily Warren
Title: None
Species: Netherborn Phantom Empress
Talent: Unawakened → Spirit Conductor
Rank: Initiate, Lv. 9 (Share)
He focused on her Talent, and another screen popped up.
Talent: Spirit Conductor
Rank: SSS (Share)
First Talent Skill: Phantom Parade (Unlocked at user Lv. 5 Initiate Rank) (Share)
Skill Level: 1
Effect: Allows the user to summon up to three ghost types that can follow simple commands. Each ghost has a unique trait:
Wisp – Emits a soft glow, illuminating dark areas. Can harmlessly phase through walls.
Ember – Can release small ghostly flames, dealing minor spirit damage.
Zephyr – Moves swiftly and can create small gusts of wind to push objects or disrupt enemies.
(Summons last for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 6 hours. Mana cost: 5 per ghost, scales with summoned number and strength.)
Isaac saw he could share the rank of Emily's SSS-rank Talent. He wondered what that would do.
He was not too bummed out for not being able to share her Talent, since he could share the skills she gained from the Talent. It would bring the same result.
Isaac grinned.
'Emily, congrats! You got an SSS-rank Talent!'
'T-thank you?' she answered, still disoriented from the events. 'What about Isaac?'
'I got something good too.'
Isaac wanted to talk more, but the door of the machine was opening.
He quickly used his SSS-rank appearance upgrade card.
He had just awakened his Talent and could chalk up his improved appearance to it.
Or so he hoped. After all, it would be weird if he suddenly became handsome with no reason.
He stepped out of the Awakening Machine and noticed everyone staring at him in silence.
Shock, envy, admiration.
The students had a myriad of expressions on their faces.
His results had not been announced, but the brightness of the Awakening Crystal was far higher than Peter, who awakened an S-rank Talent.
Clearly, Isaac had awakened something infinitely more powerful.
The principal approached Isaac with a hearty laugh.
"Good, good, as expected of an honor student like you, Isaac!"
He placed his hand over Isaac's shoulder and turned to the crowd with a beaming smile.
"Genesis Farmer, Life Talent, SSS-rank!"
The students erupted in cheers and chaos.
"SSS-rank Farmer Talent? Wasn't A-rank the highest recorded rank for the Farmer Talent in history!"
"Dammit, why did only he awaken an SSS-rank Talent? I wanted it too!"
"Isaac, please let me bear your children!"
"Is it me, or does he suddenly look more handsome?"
"My mom was right! Successful people always look more handsome!"
"This is big news! I bet Isaac and our university will be in the news tomorrow!"
The appearance of a high-rank Farmer Talent brought immense happiness to most.
With an SSS-rank Talent, the food quality in their city would see a tremendous rise.
It would allow them to barter better goods from other cities, which would lead to overall growth.
"Now, now, calm down. The Awakening Ceremony has not ended," the principal said, regaining his composure. "Isaac, you can return to your seat, but remember to stay back after the Ceremony.
"Our Academy has an offer for students like you. It would help you level up quickly for the United University Exam."
Isaac nodded.
He left the stage and walked towards his friends.
On the way, he thanked the students congratulating him.
However, his mind was on something else.
He wanted to know what would happen if he shared the Talent rank of Emily.
He looked around. As far as he knew, Talent awakening would not create shockwaves or anything like that.
It should be safe to share the Talent rank here.
He opened Emily's status and clicked on the option,
'Share!'
