The day passed in careful preparation.
Maya drilled Daemon on control—how to use his Mind Whisper precisely, how to layer suggestions without overwhelming his target's will, how to recognize when he was pushing too hard.
"It's not about force," she explained for the third time. "It's about finding what's already there and amplifying it. Viktor feels guilty about murdering his brother. That guilt exists. You just need to make it louder."
Sera worked on his emotional state, keeping him calm and centered. She could feel through their bond when his corruption started to whisper seductive shortcuts, and she'd pull him back with touch, with words, with the reminder that he didn't have to become a monster to win.
And Vivienne, visiting twice during the day with updates, provided tactical intelligence.
"Fifty-three guests confirmed," she said during her afternoon visit. "Minor nobles, wealthy merchants, a few Church officials—though not Inquisitors, thank the gods. Viktor is making this a show of strength."
"Which gives us a bigger audience," Daemon said. He was practicing his Corruption Aura, learning to focus it on specific targets rather than letting it spread indiscriminately. "The more people who hear him confess, the better."
"There's a problem though." Vivienne's expression was troubled. "Viktor has hired additional security. Mercenaries, not house guards. Six of them. Ex-military, experienced fighters. He's paranoid after yesterday."
"Can you get me past them?"
"I can get you in. I'm hosting the event with him—expected to play the dutiful wife. I can arrange for you to enter as a server. Simple disguise, nothing elaborate." Vivienne met his eyes. "But Daemon, if those mercenaries realize who you are, your manipulation tricks won't work. These are hardened killers. They've probably dealt with combat mages before."
Desire Mapping: MercenariesProfile: Professional soldiers, emotionally disciplined, resistant to mental manipulation (Moderate-High), motivated by gold not loyalty
Estimated Mind Whisper Effectiveness: 30-40% (vs 70-80% on normal targets)
"Then I'll avoid them," Daemon said. "Get in, get close to Viktor during his speech, plant the suggestions, and get out before anyone realizes what happened."
"And if it goes wrong?" Maya asked.
"Then we run. All of us. We have escape routes planned." Daemon looked at each of his partners. "But I don't think it will go wrong. I can feel my power now. It's... considerable."
It was true. His Tier 2 abilities had settled in over the past day, and he could feel the difference. He was faster, stronger, more aware. His mental abilities had reach and precision that his Tier 1 self couldn't have imagined.
And his corruption was whispering that he could do so much more if he just let go a little. Just pushed a little harder.
Corruption: 23%Whisper: You're holding back. Being too careful. But tonight you could do more than make Viktor confess. You could break him completely. Destroy his mind. Make him a drooling puppet. Show everyone what happens to those who cross you.
Daemon pushed the whisper away, but it was getting harder each time.
"You're struggling," Sera said softly. She was sitting beside him, her hand over his heart where the runes glowed beneath his shirt. "I can feel it. The darkness pulling at you."
"I'm managing it."
"Are you? Or is it managing you?"
Daemon didn't have a good answer to that.
That Evening - Vorst Estate
Daemon stood in the servant's preparation area, dressed in a simple server's uniform. His auburn hair was slicked back, his face carefully neutral. Around him, a dozen other servers prepared trays of wine and delicacies.
Vivienne had worked her magic—he was on the roster as a last-minute hire, and the head steward was too busy managing the event to question one additional server.
Through the walls, he could hear the gathering in full swing. Laughter, conversation, the clink of glasses. Viktor holding court, playing the gracious host, projecting confidence despite the rumors about his nephew's return.
Desire Sense - Extended Range
Daemon could feel the emotional signatures of everyone in the ballroom. Viktor's forced confidence masking anxiety. Vivienne's calm facade hiding anticipation. The guests' mixture of curiosity and social obligation. The mercenaries' professional alertness.
And underneath it all, threading through Viktor's psyche like poison—guilt. The knowledge of what he'd done. The fear of discovery. The paranoia that his crimes would be revealed.
Perfect.
"Servers, prepare to enter," the head steward announced. "Remember: be invisible. Refill glasses, offer refreshments, do not speak unless spoken to."
Daemon picked up a tray of wine glasses and filed in with the others.
The ballroom was magnificent—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, walls hung with expensive tapestries. The guests were dressed in their finest, clustered in small groups engaged in the careful dance of noble politics.
And at the center, standing on a raised platform with Vivienne beside him, was Viktor Vorst.
Daemon's uncle had aged in the two weeks since their last encounter. Stress had added lines to his face, and his eyes constantly scanned the room with barely concealed paranoia. But he was putting on a good show, laughing at jokes, greeting guests warmly.
Playing the part of the respectable nobleman.
Daemon circulated with his tray, moving closer to the platform. Several guests took wine glasses without even looking at him—good. His disguise was holding. His Subtle Dominance made people unconsciously accept his presence without scrutiny.
Vivienne saw him. Their eyes met for the briefest moment, and he felt her recognition through their bond. She gave no outward sign, but he felt her readiness. She knew he was here.
Viktor began his speech.
"My friends, thank you for joining us tonight. These have been... challenging times for House Vorst." Viktor's voice carried through the room, confident and strong. "Rumors and scandals swirl. But I assure you, House Vorst stands as strong as ever. We will weather these storms as we always have—with dignity, with honor, and with the support of loyal friends like yourselves."
The guests applauded politely. Daemon moved closer, angling for a position within fifteen feet—the maximum range of his Mind Whisper at full effectiveness.
Ten feet away now. Viktor continued his speech, talking about business ventures, about loyalty, about family legacy.
About family.
Daemon activated his Corruption Aura, letting it spread outward subtly. He wasn't trying to affect everyone—just Viktor. Making him more susceptible, more vulnerable to suggestion.
Corruption Aura: ActivatedTarget: Viktor VorstEffect: Increased susceptibility to guilt and paranoia
Viktor's speech stuttered for just a moment. He blinked, looking momentarily disoriented, then continued. But Daemon had felt it—the connection forming, his aura touching Viktor's mind.
Now for the whisper.
Daemon set down his tray and focused, sending his Mind Whisper directly into Viktor's consciousness:
You need to tell them. They need to know what you did. The guilt is eating you alive. Confession is the only way to find peace. Tell them about your brother. Tell them the truth.
Viktor's hand went to his throat. He coughed, took a sip of wine, continued speaking.
But his words were changing.
"My brother..." Viktor said, his voice distant. "My brother was a good man. Better than me. Always better than me."
The guests shifted uncomfortably. This wasn't part of the prepared speech.
Vivienne touched Viktor's arm gently. "Darling, perhaps we should—"
"I killed him," Viktor said.
The ballroom went silent.
"What?" Someone in the crowd spoke up. "Lord Viktor, did you say—"
"I poisoned my brother." Viktor's voice was hollow, his eyes unfocused. "Slowly. Over months. Watched him waste away. And I took everything that should have been his son's. Everything."
Mind Whisper: Successfully amplifying existing guiltTarget's resistance: CrumblingCorruption: 23% → 25%
CORRUPTION TIER 2 ACHIEVED: "The Corruptor"
New Abilities Unlocked:
Dominate Will (Active): Temporarily override target's free will (High energy cost, extreme corruption gain) Desire Chains Enhanced: Can now link non-bonded participants Aura of Dominance (Passive): Natural authority increased significantly, others instinctively defer
Warning: Personality changes accelerating
The moment he crossed into Corruption Tier 2, Daemon felt the change. His perspective shifted—people in the room suddenly seemed less like individuals and more like resources. Tools to be used. Obstacles to be removed.
He pushed the feeling down, focused on Viktor.
The guests were erupting in shocked conversation. Some were backing toward exits. Others were staring in horror. The Church officials present were speaking urgently among themselves.
Viktor seemed to wake slightly from the trance. "Wait, I didn't mean—I was just—"
Keep going, Daemon whispered. Tell them about the boy. About trying to kill your nephew. They need to hear it all.
"I tried to kill Daemon," Viktor continued, his voice breaking. "My own nephew. Had him beaten and left in the forest to die. Because I was afraid. Afraid he'd discover what I'd done. Afraid he'd take back what I stole."
One of the mercenaries was moving now, his eyes scanning the room for threats. His training told him something was wrong—that his employer was compromised somehow.
Daemon needed to finish this and get out.
Tell them you're a murderer. A kinslayer. Tell them you deserve execution.
"I'm a murderer," Viktor said, tears streaming down his face now. "I killed my own blood. I deserve—"
"ENOUGH!"
The shout came from Vivienne. She'd stepped away from Viktor, her face a careful mask of horror and betrayal. "Guards! Restrain him! He's confessing to fratricide! The Church must hear this!"
It was perfect acting. She'd positioned herself as the shocked wife, discovering her husband's crimes with everyone else. No one would suspect her complicity.
The mercenaries moved toward Viktor, but not to restrain him—to protect him. Their employer was compromised, but they were paid to keep him safe.
"Lord Viktor is clearly unwell," the lead mercenary announced. "He doesn't know what he's saying. Everyone needs to leave. Now."
But the Church officials weren't leaving. "We heard a confession to kinslaying. That's a matter for ecclesiastical law. Lord Viktor must come with us for questioning."
"He's not going anywhere," the mercenary said, hand on his sword.
The situation was deteriorating fast. The nobles were scrambling for exits. Guards and mercenaries were facing off against Church officials. And Viktor was slumped on the platform, still muttering about guilt and murder.
Daemon needed to leave. The plan had worked—Viktor's confession was witnessed by dozens of people. His credibility was destroyed. But if Daemon stayed, someone would eventually notice him.
He backed toward the servant's entrance, moving carefully through the chaos.
Almost there.
Then one of the mercenaries turned and looked directly at him. The man's eyes narrowed—professional instinct recognizing something wrong.
"You. Server. Stop."
Daemon froze.
The mercenary pushed through the crowd toward him. "Who hired you? I don't recognize you from the household staff."
[CRISIS POINT]Options:1. Enhanced Persuasion + Mind Whisper (Corruption +2-3%)2. Run (Physical confrontation likely)3. Dominate Will (New ability, Corruption +8-10%, guaranteed success)4. Call for partner help (Vivienne can intervene)
Daemon chose option one—he wasn't ready to cross into active domination yet.
"The head steward hired me this morning," Daemon said, his Enhanced Persuasion making the lie sound natural. "Last minute addition. Check with him if you want."
He layered a Mind Whisper underneath: He's just a servant. Not important. Look away.
The mercenary hesitated. For a moment, the suggestion almost worked. Then his training kicked in—he'd dealt with mental manipulation before. His eyes hardened.
"No. Something's wrong. You're—"
Vivienne appeared beside them. "This man is with me," she said coldly. "He's my personal servant. And you have no authority to question my staff. Now step aside."
Her aristocratic authority and the chaos in the room made the mercenary pause. Vivienne used that moment to grab Daemon's arm and pull him toward a side door.
"Go," she hissed under her breath. "I'll handle this. You've done what you came to do."
Daemon went.
He moved quickly through servant corridors, out a back entrance, into the gardens. Behind him, he could hear shouts, confusion, the sounds of the gathering collapsing into chaos.
He'd done it. Viktor's public confession, witnessed by nobles and Church officials. The man was finished.
So why did Daemon feel so empty?
Corruption: 25%Whisper: Because you held back. You could have done so much more. You could have broken him completely. Made him grovel. Made him beg. Instead you settled for a simple confession. Where's the satisfaction in that? Where's the revenge?
Daemon ran through the forest, his Tier 2 body making the journey back to Maya's cabin in half the time it should have taken.
When he burst through the door, both Maya and Sera were waiting, their faces tense with worry. They'd felt everything through their bonds—his use of corruption abilities, his crossing into Tier 2 corruption, the emptiness he felt now.
"It worked," he said. "Viktor confessed publicly. Dozens of witnesses. He's finished."
"Then why do you look like you lost?" Maya asked gently.
"Because the corruption is right," Daemon admitted. "I did hold back. I could have hurt him more. Broken him completely. And part of me wanted to. Part of me still wants to."
Sera came to him, pulling him down to sit. "But you didn't. You chose the path that didn't require destroying another person's mind. That's important, Daemon."
"Is it? He destroyed my family. Why shouldn't I destroy him?"
"Because then you become him," Maya said. "You become the thing you're fighting against."
Through his bonds, Daemon felt their concern, their fear for him. They could sense the corruption pulling at him, trying to reshape him into something darker.
Corruption: 25% (Tier 2 - "The Corruptor")Personality changes active:
Reduced empathy Increased satisfaction in others' suffering People viewed more as resources than individuals Growing sense of superiority Easier to justify questionable actions
Partners' influence currently limiting these effects
"I crossed into Corruption Tier 2," Daemon told them. "I can feel the difference. The way I think. The way I see people. It's like... like everyone is just a tool to be used. I know that's wrong, but it feels right."
"Then we remind you it's wrong," Sera said firmly. "We keep reminding you until the feeling passes."
"What if it doesn't pass? What if this is what I'm becoming?"
"Then we'll love you anyway," Maya said. "And we'll keep pulling you back from the edge. But Daemon—you need to stop advancing your corruption. Twenty-five percent is manageable. Thirty, forty, fifty? I don't know if we can pull you back from that."
Corruption: 25%Whisper: But more corruption means more power. And you need power. Viktor is just the beginning. There are bigger threats coming. Inquisitors. Other System Bearers. You need to be stronger. And strength requires sacrifice.
"The Inquisitors," Daemon said suddenly. "Viktor called for them. They're still coming."
"Maybe not," Maya said. "If Viktor is arrested for murder, his request might be dismissed. We'll have to wait and see."
A knock at the door made them all tense. Daemon's Desire Sense identified the presence immediately.
Vivienne.
She entered quickly, still wearing her evening gown, her face flushed from rushing through the forest.
"It's done," she said breathlessly. "The Church officials have taken Viktor into custody. They're holding him for an ecclesiastical trial. The confession was witnessed by too many people—they have to act on it."
"Will he hang?" Daemon asked.
"Probably. Kinslaying is one of the gravest sins in Church law." Vivienne's satisfaction was palpable through their bond. "He'll face trial within the week. And I've already met with my family's lawyers. His property and assets will be frozen. His political connections are abandoning him. By tomorrow, Viktor Vorst will be a pariah."
It should have felt like victory. Like justice.
Instead, Daemon just felt... hollow.
"What about the Inquisitors?" Sera asked.
Vivienne's expression darkened. "That's the problem. Before the Church officials took him, Viktor claimed he was being mentally controlled. He said his nephew had returned with demonic powers and forced the confession."
Daemon's blood ran cold. "Do they believe him?"
"Some do. Some think it's just the desperate claims of a murderer. But..." Vivienne bit her lip. "The Church is sending investigators. Not full Inquisitors yet, but trained interrogators who can detect lies and magical influence. If they question people who were at the gathering, if they sense residual corruption magic..."
"They'll know someone used mental manipulation," Maya finished. "They'll start looking for whoever did it."
"How long do we have?" Daemon asked.
"The investigators will arrive in two days. They'll question Viktor first, then start interviewing witnesses." Vivienne met his eyes. "You need to be far away from here when that happens. All of you."
"Run," Daemon said flatly. "After everything, we still have to run."
"You won," Maya said firmly. "Viktor is ruined. His confession is a matter of public record. Whether you're here or not, he's going to hang for fratricide. You've achieved your revenge."
"Have I?" Daemon looked at his hands, where the golden runes glowed faintly. "Because it doesn't feel like enough. He murdered my father. My mother. He tried to kill me. And all he gets is a trial and a quick death?"
Corruption: 25%Whisper: You could give him so much worse. You know where they're holding him. You could visit him in his cell. Break his mind. Make his last days a waking nightmare. Give him the suffering he deserves.
"No," Daemon said out loud, though the others didn't know he was answering the corruption's whisper.
"No what?" Sera asked.
"Nothing. Just..." Daemon took a breath. "We should leave. Tonight. Pack what we can, get as far away as possible before the investigators arrive."
"Where will we go?" Vivienne asked. "I can access some funds, but not my full dowry—that's tied up in Viktor's estate."
"The capital," Maya said. "The city is large enough to disappear in. And you mentioned an organization, Daemon. The Crimson Rose. Captain Harris said they help System Bearers."
"We don't know if they're real. Or if they can be trusted."
"But it's a lead. Better than wandering aimlessly." Maya stood, moving to pack her medical supplies. "We leave within the hour. Take only what we can carry. Everything else we abandon."
Sera helped pack while Vivienne returned briefly to the estate to gather emergency funds and a few precious items. Through his bonds, Daemon felt all three women working in efficient coordination.
His partners. His harem. The foundation of his power and the anchors to his humanity.
He'd achieved his revenge. Viktor would hang. But the cost...
Daemon looked at his status screen:
[CURRENT STATUS]Tier: 2 (The Despoiler)Cultivation Points: 42/500Corruption: 25% (Tier 2 - The Corruptor)Energy: 54%
STATS:
Vitality: 42 Charm: 35 Endurance: 51 Technique: 45 Dominance: 40
BONDED PARTNERS: 3/7
Maya (Level 2+) - approaching Level 3 Sera (Level 2+) - approaching Level 3 Vivienne (Level 1) - new bond
CORRUPTION EFFECTS ACTIVE:
Reduced empathy People viewed as resources Easier to justify dark actions Growing sense of superiority Satisfaction in others' suffering
ABILITIES:
Enhanced Stamina (Passive) Desire Sense (Rank 1) Energy Absorption (Automatic) Aura of Desire (Rank 1) Enhanced Persuasion (Passive - Corruption) Desire Mapping (Active - Corruption) Subtle Dominance (Passive - Corruption) Corruption Aura (Passive - Tier 2) Mind Whisper (Active - Tier 2) Desire Chains Enhanced (Rank 2) Carnal Domain (Rank 1) Soul Mark (Rank 1) Dominate Will (Active - Tier 2 Corruption - UNUSED) Aura of Dominance (Passive - Tier 2 Corruption)
He was powerful now. Tier 2 in both cultivation and corruption. He had abilities that could reshape minds and break wills. He had partners who would follow him anywhere.
But he'd lost something too. Some essential part of himself had been traded for power. He could feel it in the way he looked at people now—calculating their usefulness, measuring their worth against his goals.
The corruption wasn't just a percentage. It was a transformation.
"Ready," Maya announced. "We have everything essential."
Sera and Vivienne joined her, all three women looking at Daemon expectantly.
He took one last look at the cabin—the place where he'd first awakened his System, where he'd bonded his first partners, where he'd planned his revenge.
Then he turned away.
"Let's go," he said. "The capital awaits."
As they disappeared into the forest, heading for the main road that would take them far from this place, Daemon felt the corruption whispering one last time:
Corruption: 25%Whisper: You call this running. But you're not running away. You're running toward something bigger. Greater power. More partners. Higher tiers. This is just the beginning, Daemon Vorst. Soon, no one will be able to touch you. Soon, you'll be unstoppable.
Whisper: And won't that be glorious?
Daemon didn't answer. But deep down, in a part of himself he didn't want to acknowledge, he agreed.