As I was falling and thinking everything was for nought, a small hand suddenly caught me.
It was firm and steady, as if my body were weightless.
I had no need to look, as if I could somehow sense who it was.
Zeyra.
Of course, it was her.
She didn't say anything. Didn't need to.
Her presence was grounding and reassuring, like cold steel pressed to the back of my spine.
I managed a faint smile.
'Perfect timing. Though it would've been better if she had shown up a little earlier.'
Then again, if she had, I wouldn't have been forced to unlock another useful skill. That also wasn't all I was planning to gain from this encounter...
I straightened slowly, enough to stand again, albeit barely.
Thankfully, the crowd hadn't seen through my weakness or even paid much attention to Zeyra, who appeared to have emerged out of thin air behind me.
To them, I'd already turned three men into husks of obedience, and most were still shaken by my imposed will. The exaggerated rumours would spin themselves - I was sure of it.
Taking a breath, I stepped forward again with a smile, Zeyra a silent shadow at my side.
Before me, the three guards still knelt in the dust with text only I could see hovering above their heads.
[Opportunity to recruit three pieces has arisen.]
[Pawn-class units subdued.]
[Status: Eligible for immediate recruitment.]
[Confirm?]
I didn't hesitate.
'Yes.'
I recruited the three pawns, because why not?
I needed pieces on the board, and pawns were easily replaceable.
They weren't Zeyra. I wasn't about to waste effort building trust or forging loyalty with them. No, pawns were meant to be moved, used, and, when necessary, sacrificed. They simply weren't worth the effort.
'And if they belong to me, I can torment them as much as I please to repay them for even thinking about messing with me.'
I had a slight smile just thinking about it, which seemed to unnerve the trio who remained kneeling before me.
They remained frozen in place.
Unlike with Zeyra, this was a forceful recruitment. That alone opened a whole new set of ideas in my head. If I could subdue someone - one way or another - could I force them to submit and become one of my pieces?
Of course, having an amicable relationship with stronger pieces would be smarter. But if there was someone I really wanted under me who refused… well, the system seemed to allow alternatives.
'Maybe it can only be done on pawns?'
It was fascinating to consider. Either way, the Chess King System fit me perfectly. Power through control, and influence without getting my own hands dirty, at least not until absolutely necessary.
Snapping out of my deep thought, I watched as a faint shimmer rippled around the ragtag trio.
It seemed to be invisible to normal eyes, but I could feel it.
Chains of allegiance. Invisible ties linking their wills to mine.
Not devotion. Not loyalty.
Submission.
The floating chessboard flickered into my view.
Three pawns stood before my King piece. Basic, weak - but mine.
And one more piece hovered just off to the side.
A knight.
Zeyra.
Loyal. Sharp. Watching.
'Not bad for a day's work. Already have 4 pieces, excluding myself. It won't be long before I have a mini army filled with OP Ascendants.'
It was an exhilarating thought.
But realising I was still surrounded by dozens of people who had gathered around the commotion, I mustered the last of my strength to speak. "You are all dismissed. Return to your duties and clear the area."
Even though it wasn't loud, this body had quite a hoarse voice that was similar to my previous one, which helped in sounding intimidating. The crowd quickly began dispersing, and my words seemed to hold some weight now, especially on those who experienced my King's Will.
The three pawns I had just recruited also scrambled to their feet, still on edge. They slyly tried to leave and slip away among the crowd, heads hung low. But I was far from being done with them and watched with an amused expression.
"Where do you three think you're off to?" They all immediately froze in place.
There was no longer any need to use the King's Will on them anymore. They were under my command, and they could feel it.
"You're coming with me."
Their hearts sank, but they couldn't resist or refuse my instruction, as they followed after me.
I could barely walk straight, staggering with each step. My head was still aching after overusing the King's Will, but I could endure for now.
There were some things I wanted to test, and I wasn't done with the odd trio just yet...
-
I smirked despite the pounding headache as I looked at my holographic chessboard. Three glorified meat shields and one solid knight standing watch.
Now I had something to work with.
We moved to a quieter corner of the outdoor training area that was within an opening in the giant manor that I doubted I'd ever be able to fully explore.
Zeyra remained silent beside me, and if I didn't know she was there, I wouldn't have even noticed her. It was almost as if she was watching me, and I had a strong suspicion that she had watched my entire encounter with the trio and hadn't intervened because she was curious what I would do.
I decided against confronting her on it, and I would prove myself to her and gain her trust over time. With her potential and skills as an assassin that I could hardly comprehend, she was currently and likely would remain my trump card.
Much more useful and worthwhile than the three who nervously stood before me, shifting and fidgeting as they waited for me to break the silence. I was sure they could feel the tether the system had placed on them.
They were idiots, but this was something deep and would be picked up on instinctively.
But they didn't deserve an explanation; instead, I needed to see what limited value I could get out of them...