Priyanshu sat in the secluded chamber of the east palace, sipping tea as Veer knelt before him, head bowed. The air was filled with the scent of aged incense, but the silence was the most fragrant of all—filled with unspoken understanding and emerging loyalty.
"So, Veer," Priyanshu said with a relaxed smile, "do you know what makes a lion king of the forest?"
Veer looked up, bruises still fresh on his jaw. "His strength?"
Priyanshu chuckled softly. "No. It's because everyone fears the lion, even those who never saw him hunt."
Veer nodded slowly. "Then… I want to be feared too."
"You will. But first, you must become useful."
A moment later, the system chimed:
[Side Quest Activated]Task: Use Veer to infiltrate noble circles and gather blackmail material.Reward: +100 Evil Karma, Shadow Influence Network Unlocked (Tier 1)
Priyanshu passed Veer a small scroll with a wax seal. "Take this to Lady Samira of the Eastwind House. She owes me a favor. She'll introduce you to the inner circle of noble youths."
Veer blinked. "But… she's married."
"I never said charm her," Priyanshu replied with a grin. "Her husband is a dog to be tamed later. For now, play nice."
Three days passed.
By the fourth night, Veer returned, his face brighter and his voice dripping with revelations.
"My lord, Lady Samira has introduced me to her brother-in-law. He's the one funding illegal trade routes through the northern mines. I have letters. Even forged imperial seals."
Priyanshu's smile returned.
The web was spinning.
[System Alert]Blackmail Material Secured: 3Noble Scandal Exposed: 1Influence Network Tier 1 – ActivatedBonus Reward: Skill – "Voice of Command (Rare)"Description: Charm, Coerce, Manipulate. Boosts influence over others by 20% when used in social interactions.
Priyanshu absorbed the skill instantly, and the world seemed to whisper differently. His tone now carried a subtle gravity—a weight that bent others' emotions to his will.
That evening, he held an unofficial gathering at the Lotus Pavilion, inviting low-ranking noble youths, failed sons, and forgotten bastards. Those who had no place among the elite—but hungered for it.
He spoke with passion and purpose. Not of justice. Not of rebellion.
But of power.
"You've been cast aside, looked over, insulted. But I see value where others see trash. Serve me. And when I rise, you rise too."
The crowd, drunk on wine and dreams, cheered.
He had just built his first faction within the court's youth.
[System Notification]Followers Gained: 17 (Low-Rank)Faction Name: Silent Bloom (Pending Approval)Suggested Name: "Black Vine Society"
He chuckled.
"No need for flashy names. Let the world believe we're harmless."
Name Confirmed: Black Vine SocietyStealth Rating: HighInfluence Rating: Low (Growing)
As the moon shone above the silent palace, Priyanshu returned to his quarters, leaning back on the silk cushions.
"Soon," he whispered, "not even the emperor will see where the poison is coming from."
Behind everything, the villain moved.
Silently. Unseen.
Unstoppable.