Chapter 173: Houdini?

Zafron had barely closed his opened his front door when a new flood of notifications flashed across his invisible system screen:[Congratulations! You have successfully contracted the XX virus from Cassandra Beaumont. This acquisition has led to a substantial increase in both your potency and Qi levels.]

Zafron froze, his hand still on the doorknob. "What the... Calista, are you seeing this?" Sёarᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

[Indeed, my lord. It appears there are additional effects from your encounter with Cassandra Beaumont.]

Zafron's eyes widened as he read through the new information:

--Virus Effect Summary:--

• --Potency Enhancement:--

- --Description:-- The XX virus significantly increases the host's sexual potency.

- --Effects:--

- Boosts overall potency by 40%

- Increases stamina and endurance in sexual activities

- Enhances recovery time between sessions

• --Qi Level Enhancement:--

- --Description:-- The XX virus augments the host's Qi levels, leading to greater control and capacity.

- --Effects:--

- Increases Qi levels by 30%

- Enhances Qi regeneration rate

- Improves control and manipulation of Qi for magical and physical applications

"This is... unexpected," Zafron muttered, moving to his living room and sinking into his favorite armchair. "Calista, what does this mean for my overall capabilities?"

[My lord, these enhancements significantly boost your magical and physical prowess. The increase in potency particularly affects your reproductive capabilities and overall vitality.]

Zafron nodded slowly, his mind racing. "And these new skills..."

--New Skills Unlocked:--

• --Skill Name:-- *Lustful Aura*

- --Description:-- Infuses the surrounding area with an aura of irresistible allure. Enhances charm and persuasive abilities, making it easier to influence and captivate others.

- --Effects:--

- Increases charm by 30%

- Provides a 20% boost to persuasion abilities

- Temporarily lowers resistance to seduction in others

• --Skill Name:-- *Slime Manipulation*

- --Description:-- Allows the host to control and manipulate slime, using it for various purposes such as defense, offense, and utility.

- --Effects:--

- Ability to generate, shape, and control slime at will

- Can use slime as a weapon, shield, or for creating barriers

- Enhances physical attributes by absorbing and transforming slime into a temporary boost in strength and agility

"Lustful Aura and Slime Manipulation?" Zafron raised an eyebrow. "That's... quite a combination. Calista, how do I even begin to use these?"

[My lord, the Lustful Aura is a passive ability that enhances your natural charm and persuasion. It's always active to some degree, but you can learn to modulate its intensity. As for Slime Manipulation, it requires conscious effort and focus. I recommend starting with small amounts of slime and gradually working your way up.]

Zafron leaned back, processing the information. "I see. And these additional rewards..."

--Additional Rewards:--

• --Qi Enhancement:--

- --Qi Level:-- +30%

• --Experience Points (XP):-- +500 XP

[The new *Slime Manipulation* skill and *Lustful Aura* enhancement will greatly expand your capabilities. The XX virus's effects are now fully integrated, providing you with enhanced charm, stamina, and control over your Qi.]

[Utilize these new enhancements strategically for maximum benefit and continue to explore the potential of your acquired skills.]

[Well done! Your progress is commendable. Keep pushing forward to unlock even greater abilities.]

"Calista, this is a lot to take in," Zafron said, rubbing his temples. "Are there any immediate risks or side effects I should be aware of?"

[My lord, while these changes are significant, they should not pose immediate health risks. However, you may experience increased energy levels, heightened sensory perception, and potentially stronger emotional responses as your body adjusts to the heightened Qi levels and potency.]

Zafron nodded, standing up to pace the room. "I see. And this Lustful Aura... how do I control it? I don't want to accidentally influence people without meaning to."

[The Lustful Aura requires practice to control effectively, my lord. I suggest starting with meditation exercises to improve your awareness of the aura's energy. Over time, you'll develop the ability to fine-tune its intensity.]

"Alright," Zafron sighed. "And the Slime Manipulation? I know I got that from Cassandra. Finally something to use in a combat scenario, not that I particular pray for it. But hey, know anything I should know?"

[Indeed, my lord. This ability allows you to generate and control a viscous, malleable substance. It can be used for various purposes, such as creating barriers, restraining opponents, or even enhancing your physical abilities. I recommend beginning with small amounts, perhaps trying to generate a small blob in your palm and focusing on changing its shape.]

Zafron paused by the window, looking out at the night sky. "This is a lot of power, Calista. I need to be able to know how to use it."

[A wise approach, my lord. Would you like anything else?]

"Yes, please," Zafron replied, turning back to the room. "Prepare a gentle training regimen for the morning. I want to ease into these new abilities."

Zafron stood in the living room, his mind still reeling from the flood of new information. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.

"Well, isn't this just peachy? I've gone from being a regular Joe to some sort of slime-wielding, charm-oozing superhuman. What's next, the ability to turn water into wine?"

Without watching where he was going and purely out of overdone habit, he flopped onto his favorite armchair, wincing as it creaked under his weight. 'Note to self: check if super-strength is part of the package. Wouldn't want to accidentally smash these furnitures,'

As the initial excitement began to wane, Zafron's thoughts drifted to Cassandra. He couldn't help but grin, remembering how she'd practically shoved him out the door earlier.

"'I'm exhausted, Zafron. Go home,'" he mimicked in a high-pitched voice. "Yeah, right. More like, 'Oh no, I've created a monster. Quick, get him out before he starts oozing charm all over my Drakorian cotton sheets!'"

He chuckled, then sobered as he considered the implications. "Calista, what do you think this means for my relationship with Cassandra? And her uncle... he already looks at me like I'm something he scraped off his shoe."

[My lord, while I cannot exactly predict human emotions, I would advise caution in your interactions with both Cassandra and her uncle. Your new abilities may alter the dynamics of your relationships.]

Zafron nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Wouldn't be the first time someone's tried to get rid of me. Remember Lord Blackthorn? Now that was a close call."

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling. 'Ah, Matilda. Seems a bit odd that she's asleep. And Mara too. They've probably gotten used to me coming home late and went to bed. But Matilda, that woman could start a war with just a wink.

And nearly did, come to think of it.'

"You know, Calista," Zafron mused, "I'm starting to think I have a talent for annoying powerful men. First Blackthorn, now Cassandra's uncle. Maybe I should start a club: 'Zafron's How to Make Enemies and Alienate People.'"

[I'm not sure that would be advisable, my lord.]

Zafron snorted. "It was a joke, Calista. Remind me to find ways to upgrade your humor protocols. Why didn't Eros or Aphrodite even give me that option to tinker with you lot a bit?"

[Noted, my lord. Shall I schedule a diagnostic for my humor algorithms?]

"Now you're getting it," Zafron grinned. "Alright, I think that's enough excitement for one night. Calista, you can power down now. We'll tackle this brave new world of slime and seduction tomorrow."

[Very well, my lord. Powering down. Good night.]

As the system's glow faded from his vision, Zafron stood up, stretching. But something caught his eye, making him pause mid-stretch.

The chairs... the furniture... everything was upturned.

"What the..." Zafron's heart began to race. "Did someone break in?"

Suddenly, the eerie silence of the house hit him like a physical force. His blood ran cold as a terrifying thought struck him.

"Mara? Matilda?" he called out, his voice echoing in the unnaturally quiet house.

No response.