The Life of Lust Demon

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Hearing Anos's words, Emily's face stiffened, but, sensing his newfound influence, she quickly masked her reaction with a graceful smile. She assumed that Anos's apparent admiration for her meant he was still captivated.

Softly, she hushed him, brushing off his jab. "It's just minor, darling. Really, nothing to fret over." Then she looked at him warmly, her eyes glimmering with an eager sparkle. "I can look any way you like."

Anos's brow arched. "… …"

Inwardly, he couldn't help but scoff. It seemed that in these few years, Emily had indeed perfected the art of the "innocent facade."

He put on an easygoing smile. "Well, sounds good. By the way, I'm starving. Let's get something to eat."

"Alright."

Throughout the meal, Anos barely listened to her chatter. His mind was elsewhere, fully focused on the system's mission and how he might bring it to completion.

When they were nearly finished, Anos snapped his fingers and called for the waiter. "Check, please."

The waiter approached, holding a small device. "The total is 1,300 dollars."

With a smirk, Anos produced his card and handed it over, casually leaning back as if it were no big deal. He shot a mysterious look at Emily and said, "I'll be giving you a surprise soon."

Emily's eyes sparkled. A surprise? Her heart raced. What kind of surprise?

A second later, the device beeped. The waiter glanced at Anos, hesitating. "I'm sorry, sir. It seems your card balance is insufficient."

The smug look on Anos's face only deepened as he looked at her with mock innocence. "How's that for a surprise? Card's empty! Not a penny in it!" He then pulled out his wallet and made a show of shaking it, revealing it was equally barren. "Not a single bill! What do you say?"

Emily's jaw dropped.

"Seriously?!" she muttered under her breath, barely able to keep her composure. But she forced a stiff smile and took a deep breath. He's testing me, she reminded herself. He must be. After all, she had hurt him before. Surely, he was seeing if she could be patient now.

"It's okay," she managed to say, hiding her frustration as she handed her own card to the waiter.

Anos pocketed his empty wallet, putting on an exaggeratedly remorseful expression. "I really am sorry," he said smoothly. "Honestly, I'm surprised there's no money on my card. I was just joking, but… turns out I was the one who got surprised! My sister always said a man should keep life full of surprises for a girl."

"Yes… I understand." Emily forced a tight-lipped smile, accepting the returned card after the payment cleared.

Finishing the meal, Anos glanced at her. "How about I give you a ride home?"

"Thank you."

As they exited the restaurant, Emily's previous irritation quickly faded when she saw Anos open the door to a sleek, black Mercedes-Benz. Her hopes reignited. He's wealthy, she thought, reassured. Of course, he must've just been teasing me back there.

Once seated in the car, Emily looked around approvingly. "Is this your car?" she asked, her voice tinged with admiration.

Anos just chuckled. "One of them. I have a few at home that are even more comfortable."

A short drive later, they arrived at a gated community.

Emily lingered, hesitating as she unbuckled her seatbelt. She seemed to be waiting for something… perhaps an invitation to stay, or at least a hint that he wanted more time with her. Just as she was about to open the door, Anos interrupted.

"Hold on! I've got a surprise for you!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Emily's heart leapt. She turned, eyes wide with anticipation. "Oh?"

Anos leaned forward, fiddling with a device on the dashboard. A moment later, a soft whirring sound filled the car. "Thank you for riding with Flower City Taxi," a recorded female voice announced. "The total for your trip is 49 dollars."

Anos peeled the printed receipt from the machine, handing it to her with a mischievous grin. "Total's 49 dollars."

Ding… Successfully pranked Emily. Scumbag Points +10,000. Mission progress: 90%.

Emily froze, her eyes flicking between him and the receipt. An angry flush rose in her cheeks.

"Anos, you're messing with me!" she snapped, barely holding back her temper.

"Surprise! You didn't expect that, did you?" He looked entirely too pleased with himself.

With a huff, she slapped a 100-dollar bill into his hand before storming out of the car and slamming the door shut.

"Wait!" Anos called, dashing out of the car and intercepting her. Emily turned back, bewildered as his intense gaze locked onto hers, and he leaned in close, closing the distance between them.

He's going to kiss me… she thought, her heart racing. She closed her eyes, imagining the glamorous life that would follow. If he kisses me, it's fate—my life of luxury starts now!

But just as his breath tickled her face, Anos stopped abruptly. "Wow! You really put on a lot of powder. I can see it flying off in the wind! You'd better be careful, or you'll be blamed for the smog!"

Emily's eyes flew open, her expression shifting from hope to pure fury.

"Bastard! Jerk! You…!"

She raised her hand to slap him, but Anos stepped back just in time, dodging her swipe with ease.

"Just you wait, Anos!" she fumed. "I'll remember this!"

Ding… Congratulations! Mission completed. Reward: Scumbag Value +10,000. Target [Emily] is identified as a scumbag. Random special effect: Target's appearance altered—5% chest reduction. Would you like to use it?

A wide grin spread across Anos's face. For a fake, this is just perfect. Absolutely, yes!

The familiar golden light shimmered faintly around him as he activated the effect. Ten seconds later, he felt a rush of new strength coursing through his body—a power he hadn't felt since he was reborn.

Ding… Your realm has increased to Elemental Foundation Realm, Stage-One. Strength +100, Speed +100, Agility +100, Defense +100.

An information panel appeared in front of him.

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Name: Anos Voldigoad

Age: 21

Realm: Elemental Foundation Realm, Stage-One

Level: 11

Scumbag Value: 310,000

Current Experience Points: 0/3000

Strength: 127

Vitality: 126

Agility: 125

Spirit: 125

Spiritual Energy: 250

Talent: None

Martial Skills: None

---

As he read through the new stats, Anos felt the spiritual energy flowing freely within him, a sensation that was both empowering and exhilarating.

The world of Horizon Down was his now—filled with advanced technology, ancient creatures, and boundless potential. But while most humans here practiced martial arts through their "God's Blessing System," which recorded and enhanced their talents, Anos had found something even better.

The [Scumbag System] offered him rewards far beyond anything conventional, unlocking a future he could bend to his will.

Smiling, Anos opened his system's store, eager to see what new opportunities awaited him.