Jorik sat cross-legged in the hidden chamber beneath the old bell tower—the only shelter he'd claimed for himself.
Lanternlight danced on the walls, revealing scraps of parchment, coins, scavenged gear, and a cracked mirror.
His reflection showed glowing purple eyes and soul-scarred skin—like glass cracks along his veins.
> [Soulframe Update Available]
Level: 4
Available Stat Points: 6
Allocate Points? Y/N
"Yes."
He moved quickly.
+2 AGI (20 → 22)
+2 DEX (14 → 16)
+2 INT (22 → 24)
> [Skill Synergy Achieved: Reflex Step Unlocked]
[Active Skill Gained: Phantom Dash (Rank E)]
Jorik tested it.
With a thought, he blurred forward—his body trailing flickers like afterimages.
Perfect for assassinations.
He reviewed his interface:
---
Soulframe: KING'S BLOOD
Level: 4
Titles: Chrono-Slayer, Phantom Spider
Soul Gear: Calamity Chronoblade – Paradox Severer
Skills:
Rewind Cut (Active)
Temporal Severance (Passive)
Quick Rewind (Active)
Phantom Dash (Active)
Reflex Step (Passive)
---
Yet it wasn't enough.
He needed information. Resources. People.
He reached into his system panel.
> [Unlock Soul Tree Branch: Foundation?]
Cost: 1 Royal Core Shard (You have 1)
"Yes."
> [Soul Tree Branch: Foundation of Dominion Activated]
A glowing constellation expanded across his vision.
---
[Foundation Tree – Dominion Path I]
Throne of Shadows (Locked)
Sanctum Core (Locked)
Vassal Pact I (Locked)
Slum Influence I (Unlocked)
---
He chose Slum Influence I.
> "You may now recruit followers within slums. Charisma threshold lowered. Loyalty benefits enabled."
A smile tugged at his lips.
Now… the king would begin gathering pawns.