Chapter 3: The First Follower
Days passed, and whispers began to spread through the academy halls inside the royal palace.
Prince Leon Aurelius once thought lazy and spoiled had changed.
His eyes burned brighter.
His words dripped with power.
And anyone who crossed him suddenly… disappeared.
Leon, meanwhile, sat in the academy library, surrounded by old tomes and silent servants. He wasn't reading for knowledge. He was searching for targets.
> "If I'm to rule the world," he murmured, "I need loyal pieces on the board."
A soft voice spoke from the shadows.
> "Pieces? You sound more like a king than a prince, Your Highness."
Leon looked up.
A girl stepped out long silver hair, eyes glowing faintly violet, wearing the academy's uniform.
Her name was Elira, the top student in the kingdom's magic division. A genius noblewoman known for her cold heart.
> "You've been watching me," Leon said, amused.
> "You've been hiding something," she replied. "Power. Forbidden power."
Leon's smirk widened. "Then you're smarter than the others."
He raised his hand and the Mark of Greed flared gold on his skin. The air shimmered. Behind him, the shadow of Zarath's wings appeared for a brief instant.
Elira's eyes widened. "You… you've bound a demon!"
> "Bound?" Leon chuckled. "No. I own one."
Her breath caught fear and fascination mixing in her gaze.
Leon leaned forward, his voice soft.
> "I could destroy you right now. Or… you could kneel, and become my first follower. Serve me, and I'll give you power that makes gods tremble."
The system's voice echoed faintly:
> [Hidden Quest: Form the Greedy Court]
Objective: Recruit 7 Followers.
Reward: Divine-Demonic Fusion unlocked.
Elira hesitated for only a moment. Then, she slowly knelt.
> "Then I will serve you, Your Highness… until the stars themselves bow."
> "Good," Leon said, placing a hand on her head. Golden fire spread from his palm, marking her with a faint sigil.
"Welcome to my court."
That night, Leon opened his Summoner's Menu once more.
> [New Function Unlocked: Fusion Summon]
Combine Divine and Demonic essence to create a hybrid servant.
Fusion Cost: 500 Gold, 1 Summon Token.
Leon grinned.
> "Let's see what happens when greed touches creation itself."
He poured gold onto the floor, forming a glowing circle, then whispered both names:
> "Mercus, God of Wealth. Zarath, Demon of Greed."
The circle exploded in blinding light.
When the glow faded, a new being knelt before him half divine, half infernal, radiating impossible power.
> "I am Lunaris, the Greedborn Hybrid," it said, its voice echoing with both holiness and corruption.
"Who commands me?"
Leon stood proudly, crimson eyes gleaming like molten rubies.
> "Leon Aurelius," he declared.
"The Prince who will own gods, demons, and destiny itself."