Riven's eyes wavered, torn between the weight of duty and the unshakable bond he shared with Auren. His voice cracked as he whispered, "I promised myself… I promised I would protect you. I know it's not your fault—you didn't choose to be reincarnated into this cursed body, into this cruel world. But the days I've spent with you… they were the most real, the most unforgettable moments of my life."
His hands trembled as he gripped Auren's shoulders, eyes glistening. "My first promise, I failed… but this one, I won't. I swear, even if the world tears us apart, I will protect you for the rest of my life."
Riven suddenly pulled Auren into a tight embrace, holding him as if letting go would break him in two. His chest heaved with unspoken grief, the hug carrying both desperation and loyalty.
Auren stood still for a moment, then slowly placed his hand on Riven's back, his voice low but firm. "No matter what happens, in this world or the next… you'll always be my best friend. Forever."
When they pulled apart, Auren pressed a pouch of silver coins into Riven's palm. "Take this. Go back to the village. This time, your old grandmother needs you more than I do."
Riven stared at the coins, his throat tightening. He wanted to argue, to fight against fate—but he saw the seriousness in Auren's eyes. Finally, with a heavy heart, he picked up his worn bags, the sound of the leather straps almost unbearable in the silence between them.
He looked at Auren one last time, eyes red, voice breaking. "Don't forget me."
And with slow, reluctant steps, Riven turned and walked away. Every footfall felt like a piece of him was being torn off and left behind.
Auren stood still, watching his only friend disappear down the road, the air thick with sorrow. For the first time in a long while, he felt something heavy in his chest—not anger, not hunger for vengeance… but loss.
---
Auren stepped back into the house, his boots still stained with the blood he had spilled hours earlier. The silence lingered, broken only by the sound of his steady breath.
Velora stood in the hall, motionless, her eyes blank from the lingering command. Lyara sat quietly on the sofa, her head bowed, waiting for what he would say next.
Auren's voice cut through the stillness, sharp and commanding.
"Both of you—clean the blood. Every drop. I don't want to see a trace of it when I walk out again."
His gaze swept across them, cold and unyielding. "And in thirty minutes… I want food ready. After that, both of you will come to my room."
They both nodded immediately, their bodies obeying even before their minds could process the weight of the order. Without another word, Auren turned away and ascended the stairs.
He pushed open the door to what had once been Caius's chamber. Now, it was his. His domain. His throne.
The bed smelled faintly of old perfume and betrayal. Auren sat on it, leaning back, exhaustion pulling at his muscles after the storm of power he had unleashed. His fingers dug into the mattress, grounding himself, and then—
A notification shimmered into view, glowing faintly before his eyes.
---
[PLAYER LEVEL UPDATE]
Name: Auren
Age: 20
Race: Human (Enhanced)
Class: Mind Dominion
Level: 8
EXP: 250/500
Mana: 100/1100
---
[SKILLS – MIND DOMINION]
1. Mental Bind
Enhanced focus allows Auren to bind limbs individually at higher levels.
Level 7 → Level 8 Effect:
Duration extended by 5.5 seconds
Can now bind four targets simultaneously
New Bonus: +24% Bind Strength (was 16%)
---
2. Desire Twist
Instills conflicted arousal and obedience in targets.
Level 7 → Level 8 Effect:
Triggers instantly on strong-willed targets
Penetrates mental wards and minor magical protections
New Bonus: +24% Suggestion Success (was 16%)
---
3. Obedience Seal
Enforces loyalty or silence through psychic imprinting.
Level 7 → Level 8 Effect:
Can now stack 7 Seals simultaneously
Persists through memory wipes, curses, and forced resets
New Bonus: +24% Duration and Effectiveness (was 16%)
---
4. Pleasure Domination
Reinforces control through layered sensory pleasure.
Level 7 → Level 8 Effect:
Emotional dependence now begins after first activation
Can suppress rebellion entirely in weak targets
New Bonus: +24% Emotional Bond Rate (was 16%)
---
[SUPERPOWERS – LIMIT 3/3 SELECTED]
1. Shadow of Submission
A fear-inducing aura that weakens enemy resolve.
Level 7 → Level 8 Power Boost:
Aura Radius: 15 meters (+2)
Willpower Resistance Reduction: +40% (was 32%)
New Bonus: +24% Aura Pressure (was 15%)
---
2. Dominator's Gaze
Short, paralyzing eye contact that forces hesitation or submission.
Level 7 → Level 8 Power Boost:
Suggestion success rate: +35% (was 27%)
Duration: 10 seconds (+3)
New Bonus: +24% Fear Shock Effect (was 16%)
---
3. Psychic Bind
Invisible mental chains that restrict target movement.
Level 7 → Level 8 Power Boost:
Bind Strength: +35% (was 27%)
Affects magical, mana-based, and soul-linked movement
New Bonus: +24% Lockdown Duration (was 16%)
---
[ATTRIBUTES]
Base values increased by +4 each due to level-up.
Attribute Base Value Modifier (Lvl 8 + Bonuses) Final Value
Mind Power 111 +33% 147.63
Domination Influence 96 +28% 122.88
Aura Intensity 81 +28% 103.68
Physical Strength 71 +23% 87.33
Sensory Resistance 66 +23% 81.18
---
Auren exhaled slowly, the numbers flashing in front of his eyes like the pages of a destiny only he could read. Power thrummed through his veins, colder and sharper than before. The man who had once been weak, who had once been chained to pain, was gone.
He lay back on Caius's bed, eyes burning with quiet certainty.
"This house… this world… everything will bend to me."
Outside his door, the faint sound of scrubbing could be heard as Velora and Lyara cleaned the traces of blood—like dutiful puppets, bound not by choice, but by Auren's will.
----------
[Author's Note:]
Hey everyone,
I just want to ask you something from the heart. Writing this story takes a lot of effort, and sometimes it feels like I'm just throwing words into the dark. What keeps me going are your comments and reviews—they let me know you're actually out there, enjoying the journey with me. Even a few words mean so much.