[ Age: 8 Years ]
Lucien Silver Star had spent years quietly expanding his influence—planting seeds of manipulation, shaping the thoughts of nobles, twisting perceptions without anyone realizing they had changed.
But influence alone would not be enough.
To build an empire, he needed followers, loyalists, individuals who would stand beside him—not because they were forced, but because they believed in his vision.
And today, the first pieces in his grand design would begin to fall into place.
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### The Art of Recruitment Begins
True loyalty did not come from command—it came from belief, from making others think they wanted to serve him, that following him was their own choice.
For this, he required three kinds of people:
1. The Ambitious – those hungry for power, willing to align with whoever could give them what they sought.
2. The Vulnerable – those easily influenced, eager for guidance, desperate for purpose.
3. The Useful – individuals with skills he could exploit—strategists, warriors, scholars, spies.
And so, he hunted.
His first approach was subtle. During noble gatherings and estate functions, he spoke more, weaving conversation as effortlessly as silk.
He complimented those who craved recognition.
He listened to those who felt overlooked.
He challenged those who wished for greatness.
And slowly, his presence began to change.
No longer just the ignored third son, he was now someone to pay attention to.
People found themselves drawn to his words, intrigued by his insights, wanting to speak with him more often.
The network was forming.
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### The Evolution of Illusions
Lucien's magic had grown stronger with his secret training. He had begun to refine his illusions, pushing them further than simple light manipulation or perception distortion.
Now, they were becoming dangerous weapons.
His illusions could now:
- Mimic voices – making it seem as though someone had spoken words they never uttered.
- Alter facial expressions – making himself appear kind, gentle, or terrifying, depending on his needs.
- Create phantom presences – making someone feel watched, even when no one was there.
And soon, with more refinement, he would be able to make people see things that weren't real at all.
His magic was becoming undeniably formidable.
---
### The Beginning of Fear
For years, Lucien had been a shadow—quiet, unnoticed, a child playing within a world of powerful nobles and rulers.
But now, the whispers had begun.
Servants spoke in hushed tones about how different he was from his brothers.
Nobles found themselves strangely captivated when speaking to him.
His father had even paused once, watching him with a rare flicker of suspicion.
The illusion of innocence was cracking.
And soon, the world would finally realize the monster that lurked beneath his carefully crafted mask.