Level Up?

[Alright, kid, you're not half bad for a rookie,]

Yamir's sexy voice rang out in Dorian's head, the red fog of energy swirling around him. The incubus finally let the accumulated energy enter Dorian's body, it was his doing to have it form around them to test how much the young man could accumulate without passively draining it.

He of course was going to take his share, a good 70-80% of the cut this time, but in return he was thinking of adding a benefit for Dorian.

[That little stunt with Lina? Nicely done! My body mods helped, sure, but you've got potential. Now then, time to level up. Think of this like one of those games you love—except this one's real, and the stakes are your survival.]

Yamir had given him a good body, now he wanted to add something fun into the mix after looking into Dorian's memories and finding a section about games.

As for Dorian, he blinked, still catching his breath, the tingling energy seeping into his skin.

[What do you mean, 'level up'?]

[Simple,] Yamir said, his tone sly. [I enjoyed looking at the game section withing your memories and decided to simplify your life with one of my own.]

The incubus did not let the boy speak instead he began to work his magic.

[You got stats now—strength, smarts, charm, and that lust energy which is keeping us alive. You're decently charming already, thanks to me. Every time you charm someone or drain energy—like you just did—you get stronger. Points to boost your skills or stats. Right now, you can sweet-talk with a Seductive Gaze, drain energy with a touch, and maybe pull off a small illusion to look slicker. Keep going, and I'll unlock more tricks for you. But don't over used these or you will starve, and you know what that means right? I take over. Got it?]

Dorian nodded slowly, the red fog has slowly begun to fade as it had settled within him.

[Oh, and you won't feel much stronger this first time since I took most of the energy to make this handy system.] Yamir finished.

[How much did you take!]

Dorian called out with defiance, the incubus said he was only going to take 50% the first 20 meals.

[80% this time,] Yamir chuckled. [First meals pricey. But don't worry—I threw in the bonus. Well then, let's make them visually appealing so you can see them while your girl gets herself dressed.]

══════ Starting Stats ══════

Dorian Amore – Incubus Stat Sheet

Level: 1 / Race/Path: Incubus (Path of Seduction) / XP: 86 / 100 (to next level)

Host: Yamir Cupid (internal guide)

═══ Base Stats ═══

Stat Value Description

Strength [7] At a level of a gym rat without all the bulk, slightly enhanced post-transformation.

Dexterity [6] Normal agility and reflexes.

Intelligence [7] Above average; You were already well-read and thoughtful.

Charisma [8] This is natural charm enhanced by my powers; Of course it will be high!

Lust/Energy [2] Your core incubus power pool; fuels abilities, currently very low.

═══ Core Skills ═══

Skill / Effect

Seductive Gaze (+0): Charms targets, making them more receptive to Dorian's presence or requests.

Energy Drain (+0): Absorbs Lust/Energy through contact with a target. (kiss, touch, etc.).

Enhanced Senses (+0): Heightened hearing, sight, and smell for charm or threat detection.

Minor Illusion (+0): Creates brief visual tricks (e.g., altering appearance) to deceive or seduce.

═══ Progression System: ═══

- XP Gain: From charming, seducing, or overcoming lust-related missions set by Yamir.

- Level Up Rewards:

+1 to any base stat of ones choosing.

Unlock or enhance a skill.

═══ Locked Skills: ═══

Level 3: Energy Drain+ – Absorbs more energy with less contact.

Level 4: Mass Charm – Affects multiple targets.

Level 5: Dream Manipulation – Enters and manipulates dreams for seduction or feeding.

═══ Limitations & Risks ═══

Energy Dependency: If Lust/Energy reaches 0, Dorian weakens, risking full possession by Yamir.

Power Exposure: Overuse may trigger incubus traits (horns, tail, aura), drawing attention.

Social Fallout: Excessive charm use may lead to suspicion or backlash from others.

═══════════════

Dorian's head was still spinning from the rush of energy, but a pang of unease settled in his chest.

Using his incubus skills—charming, draining, all of it—felt like stepping into a role he wasn't ready to play without testing it further.

He'd never been the social type, always more comfortable with books than people.

Now, with Yamir's powers amplifying every interaction, it was like navigating a minefield blindfolded.

He didn't need his life to get any more complicated before entering university.

"Dorian," Lina's voice broke through his thoughts, soft but firm. "I know that felt good, but we need to get ready to leave. As much as I wouldn't mind another round, I'd rather not do this in my shop again."

She stood there, her disheveled hair over her face in a way that made Dorian's pulse quicken.

Her blouse, half-buttoned and clinging to her curves, hinted at the chaos they'd just shared.

Seeing the previously professional salon stylist so undone—because of him—stirred a strange pride in his chest.

He, his new body and a little of Yamir's "gifts" had done this.

"Sorry," Dorian said, clearing his throat as he stood. "I'll be done in a sec, and I'll help you clean so you can close up faster."

He adjusted his pants, wincing slightly at their tightness, and scanned the room for his shirt.

Spotting it crumpled in a corner, he moved to grab it, but pulling it on was a struggle. His newfound strength made his movements clumsy, the fabric catching on his broader shoulders.

A soft giggle came from Lina's direction.

"You look cute struggling like that," she teased, stepping closer to help tug the shirt down over his torso.

Her fingers brushed his abs, lingering just a moment too long.

"You sure you didn't take something to get this body?"

Dorian's cheeks warmed. "Nah, just… a bit of working out. Most of it's natural..."

Lina studied him for a few seconds, her gaze sharp but playful, before turning to grab a broom.

She began sweeping the corners of the salon as she had done countless times.

Dorian picked up a dustpan, helping her collect the stray hair scattered across the floor.

They worked in tandem—Lina washing tools in the sink, Dorian gathering scissors and combs.

In about fifteen minutes, the shop was tidy again.

Lina slipped on a coat from the back, ready to lock up for the night. "Well, Dorian," she said, pausing at the door, "I enjoyed the fun."

Her eyes met his, a spark of something—curiosity, maybe desire—flickering in them.

She stepped closer, her voice lowering. "You're not like most guys who walk in here. Come back soon, yeah?"

Dorian narrowed his eyes, a spark of defiance in his gaze. "You think I'm just gonna walk away after that?"

He stepped closer, noting Luna's hesitation, as if she expected this to be a fleeting, one-night fling.

With their height difference, he effortlessly lifted her by her firm hips, pulling her into a deeper, lingering kiss that left her breathless. Setting her down gently, he pulled out his phone with a confident grin.

"No way this is a one-time thing," he said, his voice low and teasing. "Give me your number. I might need another trim soon, right?"

Luna, still licking her lips from the steamy kiss, nodded bashfully. Her cheeks flushed as she fumbled to share her personal number, typing it into his phone with hurried fingers.

[Nice move, kid,] Yamir's voice purred in Dorian's head, brimming with approval. [I knew I picked the right guy. Now, let's crank up the fun. I mentioned marking her earlier, yeah? Watch this.]

Dorian finished saving Luna's contact and glanced up. Her warm, almost dazed gaze met his, but something else caught his eye.

Beside her, a faint illusion began to materialized, like a hologram from one of his video games. Ten pink hearts hovered in the air, one of them pulsing softly, glowing with what looked to be a red liquid that was coming from Lina.

[That's her affection gauge,] Yamir's voice slithered through Dorian's mind, dripping with smug satisfaction.

[You've got her hooked—see that one heart glowing already? Fill all ten, and something special might happen, beyond just having her heart and soul. Keep charming, keep feeding, and those hearts will light up faster. She might even be open to something… unconventional, like a harem. But don't get cocky. She's still got her own needs, desires, and personality—your powers don't rewrite who she is.]

Dorian's pulse raced, a mix of thrill and unease swirling in his chest.

The idea sparked something in him—images of Emma, the bubbly delivery girl, and even his aunt Becca, who shared no blood ties with, flickered through his mind.

The thought was intoxicating, but he wasn't sure he wanted to lean into this power, at least without some proper tests.

"Well, Lina," he said, forcing a casual grin as he stepped back, "that was fun. Time or place doesn't matter to me, so shoot me a message when you're free."

His voice was steady, but his body buzzed with restless energy, as if one encounter wasn't enough to sate the hunger Yamir had awakened.

He took a deep breath, calming the urge that clawed at him, and turned to Lina.

She was locking the salon door, her golden-brown hair catching the evening light as she gave him a small wave.

"See you around, Dorian," she called, her smile teasing but warm, before heading off.

Dorian lingered for a moment, watching her go, the faint glow of that single pink heart still visible in his mind's eye. He shook his head and started walking, determined to keep his powers in check—at least for now.