Age: 8 Years
Lucien Silver Star's influence had grown like an unseen vine, weaving itself through the noble courts, the households, the minds of those who encountered him.
But an empire was not built on whispers alone.
It required loyalty—not mere puppets, but individuals who would stand beside him, willingly serve him, and execute his will without question.
And today, the first true follower would fall into place.
---
### A Meeting in the Shadows
The estate of House Silver Star was vast, and in its sprawling corridors, secrets were easily hidden.
Lucien had chosen his first target carefully—a young servant, barely older than ten, who had spent his life being overlooked, dismissed, forgotten.
His name was Rean, and he was the perfect candidate for loyalty through manipulation.
He found Rean alone, tending to the gardens, his hands calloused from years of silent labor.
Lucien approached, his steps light, his expression warm yet unreadable.
"You work harder than anyone here," he said casually, watching the boy's startled reaction.
Rean blinked, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "I… I only do as I'm told, my lord."
Lucien tilted his head. "Do they ever thank you for it?"
A pause. A moment of hesitation, then an answer that spoke volumes.
"No."
A perfect weakness.
A perfect opportunity.
Lucien smiled, his voice gentle yet firm.
"They should."
---
### The Corruption Begins
Over the following weeks, Lucien's subtle influence began shaping Rean's thoughts.
He spoke to him often—not as master and servant, but as mentor and confidant.
He praised his work, acknowledged his dedication, and in quiet moments, planted the seeds of loyalty.
"You are valuable. You are more than just a servant."
"One day, you will rise beyond your station."
"Stay beside me, and you will never be forgotten."
Each whisper reshaped the boy's perception.
[Corruption Progress: 31% – Mental Instability Stage]
Loyalty was not taken. It was built.
And brick by brick, he was constructing the foundation of his future empire.
---
### The First Command
One evening, Lucien tested his influence.
He called Rean to his chambers, the servant's posture still hesitant, yet his eyes carried a new admiration, a quiet devotion.
"I need information," Lucien said, his tone calculated. "Servants overhear many things. Listen closely to the nobles. Tell me what you learn."
A pause.
Then, acceptance.
"Yes, my lord."
The first true piece of his network had fallen into place.
---
### A Future Built on Shadows
Rean was the first.
But he would not be the last.
Soon, others would follow—the overlooked, the ambitious, the ones searching for purpose.
And with each new follower, his unseen empire would expand.
One day, the world would realize they were already under his control.
By then, it would be too late to stop him.