The birds are chirping as the morning sunshine enters my room. Not waiting another second, I quickly get ready for my trip to the library. Within just a few moments, I make my way down the corridor.
'Look, It's him... You know who...'
'Oh my...So young, but so brutal...'
'If he was my son...I would teach him some morals...'
A couple of whispers enter my ears, making me reflexively turn towards them. Two older maids decided that it's a great idea to talk behind my back while on their duties.
'...'
Noticing my gaze on them, they immediately resume their work, pretending as if nothing happened. But, I have different plans for them.
''Wait a minute.''
[You've gathered 5 points of Fear.]
I infuse a sliver of Qi into my voice, stoping them in their tracks before they disappear.
''I'd like to know where the library is...''
Step...Step...Step...
As I get closer and closer to them, I begin to infuse more Qi into my voice. Not enough to cause harm, but more than enough to cause trauma if exposed for too long.
The two maids watch as I approach in horror, fully realizing that their conversation has been overheard. Whether It's because of the Qi, or the horror itself, neither of them dares to speak.
''Well? Why won't you answer?''
I lean in closer to the maid who was badmouthing my morals, as I whispered,
''Did your mother not teach you well? Why won't you answer while I'm asking nicely?''
[You've gathered 5 points of Fear.]
Am I petty? Perhaps. But I do not like someone at the bottom of the foodchain thinking they are better than me. Morals? What good will they do you in this world? In any world?
No good. Period. There are here to restrict you, to make you subservient to whoever is up there, enjoying the protection these 'morals' give them.
With a flick of my finger, the pressure that was gripping them disappears. With a stern gaze, I say for the last time,
''The library. Now.''
As if understanding that there won't be a second chance, both maids gave me a deep bow and swiftly escorted me to the library.
[You've gathered 14 points of Fear.]
The entire way there, they were leaking Fear points even without me doing anything. But one thing surprised me.
'No trauma was triggered...'
Perhaps because they felt untouchable inside the mansion, with an utmost trust in the Patriarch, or I didn't press them hard enough, the result was slightly disheartening. But this led to a realization.
'Not all people will be scared of me... Scared of Fear Qi...'
Such cases will be rare, but certainly present. Whether it's because of high cultivation, or simply a result of an extreme personality, I will undoubtedly meet people that can look me dead in the eye even through the Fear.
''Young Master, we've arrived...''
The two maids bow at the same time and quickly disappear from my sight, leaving me standing in front of the library, with a curious guard looking and evaluating me.
Just as I'm about to enter, the guard blocks the doors with his spear, nearly hitting my hand with it.
''Permit, please.''
Ignoring the weapon, I give the guard an annoyed sideeye as I press forward, my skin easily brushing the spear to the side without a scratch. A thread of Fear Qi slithers towards the guard, his face immediately going pale upon the first contact.
[You've gathered 4 points of Fear.]
[You've inflicted permanent Trauma on 1 person.]
''I saved this family from ruin. I don't need a permit.''
Not bothering with the guard further, I enter the library. The guard on the other hand, doesn't move. Whether it's because of the Fear Qi, or because of the rumors he must have heard about me, he simply stood there, as if frozen in place.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 3 113]
[Trauma: +520/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]
Authors note: Sorry for the delay y'all! Real life came knocking harder than before, so writing wasn't a priority. But things are stabilizing now, so hopefully daily updates are on the way.