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Chapter 26 - Savage Stop at the River

(Name: Auren)

Age: 20

Race: Human (Enhanced)

Class: Mind Dominion

Level: 5

EXP: 100/300

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[SKILLS – MIND DOMINION]

1. Mental Bind

Enhanced focus allows Auren to bind limbs individually at higher levels.

Level 4 Effect: Duration extended by 3.5 seconds; can now bind two targets simultaneously.

New Bonus: +9% Bind Strength

2. Desire Twist

Instills conflicted arousal and obedience in targets.

Level 5 Effect: Initiates more faster; slightly effective even on strong-willed targets.

New Bonus: +9% Suggestion Success

3. Obedience Seal

Enforces loyalty or silence through psychic imprinting.

Level 5 Effect: Can now stack 4 Seals simultaneously; persists through unconsciousness or mild memory resets.

New Bonus: +9% Duration and Effectiveness

4. Pleasure Domination

Reinforces control through layered sensory pleasure.

Level 4 Effect: Emotional dependence begins after 3rd activation.

New Bonus: +9% Emotional Bond Rate

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[SUPERPOWERS – LIMIT 3/3 SELECTED]

1. Shadow of Submission

A fear-inducing aura that weakens enemy resolve.

Level 5 Power Boost:

Aura Radius: 10 meters

Willpower Resistance Reduction: +25%

New Bonus: +8% Aura Pressure

2. Dominator's Gaze

Short, paralyzing eye contact that forces hesitation or submission.

Level 5 Power Boost:

Suggestion success rate: +20%

Duration: +4 seconds

New Bonus: +9% Fear Shock Effect

3. Psychic Bind

Invisible mental chains that restrict target movement.

Level 5 Power Boost:

Bind strength: +20%

Now affects magical/mana-based movement

New Bonus: +9% Lockdown Duration

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+5% enhancement applied to all attributes.

Attribute Base Value Current Modifier (Level 5 + Bonus)

Mind Power 100 +25% = 125

Domination Influence 85 +20% = 102

Aura Intensity 70 +20% = 84

Physical Strength 60 +15% = 69

Sensory Resistance 55 +15% = 63.25

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The sky was just starting to shift from black to indigo, stars slowly dimming behind the incoming dawn.

Auren sat under a large twisted tree, arms crossed behind his head, pretending to be asleep. His breaths were slow and steady, calculated. Just moments before Riven and the wagon owner stirred, he had quietly made his way back to the campsite to make it look like he had been there the whole time.

Riven was already up, crouched near the fire, carefully rotating skewers of meat and potatoes over the glowing embers. The sizzling aroma drifted through the crisp morning air. The fire snapped gently as fat dripped from the meat into the flames, casting flickers of gold over their tired faces.

Auren opened his eyes just as Riven looked over.

"You finally woke up?" he said with a smirk.

Auren shrugged lazily, rubbing his neck. "Smell of food did the trick."

They ate together in silence — warm roasted meat, smoked potatoes, and thick chunks of dried bread. The wagon owner joined them, sitting cross-legged, tearing into his share like a starving beast. Even the horses were fed with bundles of dried hay and fresh water drawn from a nearby spring. They nickered softly, tails flicking as they chewed.

Wiping his mouth, Auren stood and looked to the eastern trail.

"Central is just 300 kilometers away now. I want us there before the next moon rises."

The wagon owner raised a brow, chuckling as he tossed a chewed bone into the brush.

"Then we'll have to make those horses fly, young master," he said, climbing onto the front bench of the wagon. He cracked his neck and grabbed the reins like a man possessed. "Don't worry, if these beasts die tonight, I'll carve 'em into steak myself and ride the wind to Central."

Riven snorted with laughter as he climbed onto the back of the wagon.

Auren gave a crooked grin. "Good. I like men who threaten their ride."

With a loud crack of the reins, the horses surged forward with a snort of steam from their nostrils, hooves pounding against the dirt path as the wagon lunged into motion.

The road to Central was straight, cutting through sparse woods and golden fields. With the sun rising behind them, the wagon thundered ahead, gaining speed, their journey far from over — but finally in motion.

Tonight, they'd reach the gates of Central.

And Auren's true plan would finally begin to unfold.

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The wagon sped forward over the plain path, wheels rattling, the horses thundering under the command of the old wagon owner. To their right, a wide river flowed calmly under the morning sun—blue and glistening, its waters reflecting the gold-tinted skies. The land around was flat, with the occasional rock or dry tree breaking the monotony. The ride had been smooth so far, but the air was getting dry, and sweat clung to their skin.

Suddenly, Riven leaned forward and slapped the side of the wagon.

"Oi, old man! Pull the damn wagon over!" he yelled, pointing to the river.

The wagon owner grunted, pulling the reins. "Tch... you punks better not be stoppin' for piss breaks. We're already behind."

Auren narrowed his eyes and turned his head slowly toward Riven, leaning back lazily against the wagon's wooden railing. His voice came out low and laced with venom.

> "The fuck is this, Riven? You see a pretty river and now your bitch instincts kick in? You wanna go dip your nuts in it, huh?"

Riven didn't flinch. He just snorted and gave him a side glance, matching the heat in Auren's tone.

> "Shut the fuck up, bastard. We're outta water. Or did your royal ass plan to spit in the bottles and call it magic juice?"

Auren clicked his tongue, grinning darkly.

> "Tch. Fine. Let's get your precious river bath, princess."

Both of them grabbed the wooden water bottles from the wagon. The ground crunched beneath their boots as they walked toward the riverbank. The air was quiet except for the soft murmur of flowing water.

They crouched by the edge, filling their bottles. Just as Riven capped his last one, the water behind them rippled violently—followed by a massive splash.

A giant snake-like monster, with slimy blue-green scales and fangs as long as daggers, burst out from the river, hissing and thrashing with murder in its eyes.

> "Shit—!" Riven barked, already reaching for his sword.

But Auren was faster.

His eyes locked with the monster's.

Dominator's Gaze activated.

A psychic pulse shot forward like a blade.

The monster's body seized mid-air, eyes wide in sudden terror—completely paralyzed.

"Riven. Now."

Riven let out a short laugh.

> "Heh. My turn."

In a single, practiced motion, he leapt up, sword raised high—and brought it down with full force.

SHRAAAKK!

The monster split clean from maw to tail. Guts sprayed the grass as its body convulsed and flopped on the riverbank.

Riven exhaled and wiped blood off his blade.

> "Damn. That snake died faster than your last hookup's will to live."

Auren smirked, eyes gleaming.

> "Please. That thing was more obedient than she was. At least it didn't whine first."

They both burst out laughing like mad bastards, walking back to the wagon, bottles still in hand—monster corpse steaming behind them.

The wagon owner raised an eyebrow.

"You two done fuckin' with wildlife?"

Auren climbed aboard and waved him on.

> "Move the damn wheels, old man. Central won't wait for kings."

With a grunt, the wagon lurched forward again—racing down the path

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