Recap (Previous Chapter):
Kael Vire, feeling abandoned and powerless, faces yet another harsh betrayal at the orphanage. Just when he's on the brink of breaking, the Dread Sovereign System stirs to life within him, drawing strength from his despair. With his first ability, Broken Crown, Kael rises, fueled by a fierce power and a burning hatred—swearing that those who turned their backs on him will one day bow down before him.
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Thunder rumbled again as Kael made his way down the stairs, each step purposeful. The old wood creaked under his bare feet, but he no longer felt the chill.
No longer felt fear. His eyes glowed faintly in the dim light—red like embers that refused to extinguish.
In the hallway, the other children peered out from their rooms, their eyes wide and wary. They had witnessed Kael at his lowest—broken, beaten, and deemed worthless. But now... something within him had shifted, and they could sense it.
He no longer moved like prey.
"Back to your beds," he commanded, his voice steady yet heavy. It felt almost unnatural.
They complied without understanding why.
[New Trait Activated: Presence of the Forsaken]
Effect: +20% fear resistance among subordinates. Weak-willed enemies hesitate before initiating conflict.
Kael found Joran in the kitchen, muttering curses as he drained the last of his ever-present bottle.
The man's broad shoulders slumped over the table as he chewed on some dry meat.
Joran didn't even notice when Kael walked in.
Kael's fingers wrapped around a rusty kitchen knife resting on the counter.
The blade was dull, but it still had enough edge for what he intended.
He wasn't a killer—not yet.
But he had spent his whole life waiting for the moment to stop being a victim.
"You," Kael said, his voice steady.
Joran turned, laughter spilling from his lips—a harsh, sickening sound.
"Oh, look who decided to crawl back. What's it gonna be now, dog?"
Kael took a step forward.
"You beat children for fun. You starved them. You sold their names. You really think this place can protect you?"
"You planning to stab me, boy?" Joran rose to his full height, looming over Kael, his breath a foul stench. "
You're still nothing."
[System Notice: Challenge Detected - First Subjugation Target Identified]
Joran - Level 5 (Systemless Warden)
Threat Evaluation: Low
System Reaction: Dominance Trial Initiated
Something ignited in Kael's chest, and words flooded his mind.
[Skill Unlocked: Subjugate]
Effect: Can force a target of lower Willpower into submission. Requires emotional trigger.
Kael's voice dropped, low and menacing. "You will be the first to kneel."
Suddenly, the air thickened around him. Shadows behind Kael began to pulse.
Joran took a step back, his sneer wavering. Kael didn't need to raise the knife; he knew he didn't have to.
"On your knees," Kael commanded again—not as a request, but as an order.
Joran trembled, his legs buckling beneath him.
He fell to the wooden floor with a sharp thud.
"I... what is happening?" he gasped.
Kael leaned in closer, his gaze cold and merciless.
"This is what you made me."
[Subjugate Successful: Loyalty Implantation Possible]
Choose:
1. Execute
2. Control
3. Release
Kael stared at the screen, the knife feeling heavier in his grip.
The storm outside had intensified. He tapped Control.
Joran's eyes glazed over as the System's mark settled in.
[Joran has been designated as Servant: Tier Zeta]
Effect: Follows basic commands. Loyalty driven by fear. Possible override of system control.
Warning: Mental strain on the host may occur if control limits are surpassed.
Kael turned and walked away, the knife still untouched, leaving the man behind him gasping like a caged beast.
He felt no satisfaction.
Just silence.
Back upstairs, the orphanage children waited, anticipating screams and blood.
But none came.
Kael stood before them, silent for a moment.
Then, he focused on the youngest boy—Elric, the one who always cried at night.
"From now on, no one will hit you," Kael declared.
Elric blinked in surprise.
"W-Why?"
Kael shifted his crimson gaze to the hallway. "Because this place has a new ruler."
[New Title Unlocked: Sovereign of the Forgotten]
Effect: Boosts influence over any individual society has cast aside. +10% obedience among orphans, exiles, and rejects.
[New Ability Available: Hollow Bond - Link 1/5 Created]
Outside, the storm howled, but within the decaying walls of that forsaken building, something far darker had taken hold.
And Kael Vire—the Tyrant They Created—had just claimed his first throne.
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End of Chapter 2