Varg slowly crouched beside Elara.
The 'Siren Mushroom,' known to weaken the will and heat the body, hung heavy in the air, but he had already taken the antidote beforehand.
He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the room mixed with her natural fragrance, a smell that was intoxicating, far better than the cheap perfume the other women in the camp used.
His gloved hand reached out, hovering for a second before he pulled the glove off with his teeth.
He wanted to feel this, feel the plump and sexy body of Elara.
His rough, calloused fingers brushed against her cheek. Her skin was incredibly soft, warm, and flushed from the drug.
His touch trailed down to her jawline, then lower, tracing the curve of her neck where her pulse beat slowly and rhythmically.
"So beautiful," he whispered, his voice thick with uncontrollable lust.
His gaze traveled over her body.
Even in her simple sleeping clothes, her curves were undeniable.
The rise and fall of her large breasts captivated him.
He let his hand wander boldly, resting it on her waist, feeling the heat radiating through the thin fabric.
He squeezed her breasts gently, possessing her in a way he had dreamed of during countless lonely nights on patrol.
The thought of Scott lying helpless underground while he claimed his prize made the moment even sweeter.
Scott is the Lord and has the support of the camp, but it's completely different now.
In this world, the strong took what they wanted. And right now, Scott was nothing more than a dried-up husk.
"He wasted his life for a bunch of ungrateful villagers," Varg muttered, his eyes darkening as he leaned in closer, his face inches from hers. "But I won't waste you."
He leaned down and buried his nose in the crook of her neck, taking a deep, greedy sniff of her hair.
It smelled sweaty, but it still intoxicated him and immediately hardened his little brother between his legs.
A shiver of anticipation ran down his spine.
He fought the urge to do more right here and now; the risk was too high.
He had a hideout prepared, a secluded cave down underground below the Heartwood Tree's roots, where no one would hear her scream, or beg.
"Don't worry, my lady," he whispered into her ear, his hot breath hitting her skin. "The Lord is too weak to protect you now. You're coming with me. I'll show you what a real man feels like."
Elara let out a soft, unconscious exhale, her lips parting slightly.
It was an inviting sight that nearly drove him over the edge, but he snapped back to reality.
He needs to move.
With practiced ease, Varg slid his arms under her knees and back.
He lifted her effortlessly. She felt perfect in his arms, her head lulling against his chest. She was his now.
He moved to the window, glancing back one last time at the empty bed.
Let Scott wake up to nothing.
Let him feel the despair of losing the only thing that mattered.
Varg adjusted his grip, feeling the softness of her thigh against his forearm, and stepped out onto the thick branch.
The night air was cool, but his blood was boiling hot.
He merged into the darkness, carrying his stolen prize away from the safety of the Heartwood Tree, disappearing into the shadows.
"Well, what about the cheat code?" On the other hand Scott pondered, a flicker of desperate hope lighting up in his mind.
If he had been pulled into the game, was it possible that his greatest cheat code would come with him?
It didn't take long for him to become happy.
As if answering his very thought, a faint, translucent blue light shimmered into existence.
The light of the attribute panel that only he could see was flashing in front of him.
A wave of giddy relief washed over him, so strong it almost made him laugh out loud.
It was here. His cheat was here!
Eager to test it, he carefully turned his head, his tired muscles protesting. In the chamber across from him, one of the three old men lay still, cocooned in the same healing mycelium.
As he concentrated his gaze towards the old man in front of him, the panel expanded, showing the detail of the old man.
Words and numbers, familiar and comforting, appeared in the air.
[ Name: Alistair]
[ Age: 62/144 (Remaining Lifespan: 6 years)]
[ Race: sporeman/human]
[ Level: First Order - Level 8 (Critically Weakened)]
[ Life Energy: 183 points]
[ Physique: 0.7 (3.6)]
[ Spirit: 2.3]
[Status: Critically Weakened. Life essence was severely depleted, leaving the body frail and aged. Physical abilities are currently far below their peak potential.]
[ Mnemonic Gene Spores: [Trace: Cellular Integrity +4%] [Trace: Toxin Resistance +8%] [Trace: Synaptic Speed +3%]]
[ Foundation-Genes:
[First Ordered Foundation Gene: Mycelial Heart]: The foundational gene integrated by sporeman, enabling the passive absorption of ambient Life Energy and the formation of a Spiritual Core.]
[First Ordered Foundation Gene: Bull's Frame]: Acquired from Grave Horn bulls gene core, this gene reinforces the user's skeletal and muscular structure, granting physical strength and resilience far beyond normal human limits.]
[Common-Genes:
[First Order Common Gene: Root Eruption]: Allows the user to command nearby roots and fungal mycelium, causing them to erupt from the ground to ensnare or strike at foes.]
[First Order Common Gene: Minor Mend]: A simple but vital ability that uses a small amount of Life Energy to close minor wounds and reduce pain.]
[Latent Genes:
[First Order Heartwood Whisper]: A dormant gene born from years of deep symbiosis with the Heartwood Tree. It has the potential to awaken a brief, intuitive understanding of the nearby Source Tree's immediate state or dangers.]
Scott stared at the panel, a wide grin spreading across his wrinkled face.
It worked. It actually worked! It was just like in the game.
He had a way to see the strengths and weaknesses of others, a way to understand the very building blocks of power in this world.
It wasn't just a cheat anymore; it was a complete system interface for reality.
His anger began to melt away, replaced by the familiar thrill of a player who had just found a legendary item.