I returned home to a house that felt cavernous and empty. The usual sounds of life—the low murmur of the TV, the clatter of dishes from the kitchen, Isabel's cheerful chatter—were gone. Everyone was busy, out in the world, giving their absolute best to build the future I had shown them. Stacy had even provided attached bedrooms in the new office building, complete with every luxury imaginable, for anyone working late. A message from Isabel confirmed it: they were all pulling a late night. I was alone.
The silence was a heavy, suffocating thing. I was so tired. I made myself a cup of instant ramen, the sad, salty smell a pathetic contrast to the gourmet meals I'd been sharing with my family. I ate it while watching some random show on TV, the bright colors and canned laughter doing little to fill the void. After the last slurp of noodles, I went to my room and collapsed onto the bed, the exhaustion of the past few days finally catching up to me.
I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my mind a chaotic racetrack of thoughts. "System," I said, my voice a low murmur in the quiet room. "Let's have one of our Q&A sessions."
'Okay, I am listening, Host,' the System replied, its voice a calm, familiar presence in my head.
"I'm developing a habit of instinctively activating so many skills at once," I began, trying to put my unease into words. "My mind is… changing. Today, I told Anna that we would orchestrate the suicide of Hughes Jackson, and in my mind, I was already forming the plans. But the important part is… I'm not feeling guilty."
'Host, it is because of the skills you have acquired,' the System explained. 'Skills like [Napoleon], [Great Leader], and [President], and most importantly, your frequent use of [Chanakya]. You have started to accept the theology, philosophy, and psychology of Chanakya. When you bought that skill, I told you it was very powerful because you would be able to think with absolute clarity and find many ways to solve a problem. The line you said to Anna today, 'blood for blood,' is one of Chanakya's most practical theories.'
"So I am getting influenced by these skills," I said. "Is that dangerous?"
'No, nothing is dangerous,' the System replied. 'They are just skills. They are tools for you to protect yourself, your family, your loved ones, and most importantly, the empire you are building.'
"You mean I'm on the right track?"
'Host, there is nothing that is always right, and nothing that is always wrong. Okay, I will tell you a story. Try to understand it.' The System's voice took on a strange, almost poetic quality. 'The stale scent of despair clung to Leo as he clutched the stolen bread, its coarse wrapper a testament to his desperate love. To any passerby, he was a thief, pure and simple, yet the image of Mia's fading smile, dependent on the exotic ingredients this meager loaf would barter, made the crime feel like a prayer. Across town, Sarah felt a pang of virtue as she dropped a few coins into George's outstretched hand, her heart swelling with selfless compassion. She couldn't know that her act of kindness, intended to soothe a hungry soul, would instead fuel a gambling demon, pulling George back into the abyss he'd fought so hard to escape. In the shadowed alleys and sunlit streets, the lines blurred, proving that good intentions could pave paths to ruin, and a desperate transgression might just be the most profound act of love.'
The story hung in the air, a profound and unsettling parable. "I… I think I'm understanding something," I said slowly.
'You know, when we first met, I told you that I would not judge you for who you become,' the System reminded me. 'That is totally dependent on you.'
I remembered. The choice between the golden crown and the shadowed one. "Okay, I understand," I said, a new sense of clarity settling over me. "But now, can you explain the potential of Nari Han? And her highly unique and extravagant skills?"
'Nari has the highest potential recorded so far among all your Harem and Elites,' the System confirmed. 'Her potential is UR+. But her passive skills are what make her truly amazing. She possesses the essence of three powerful ancient figures: [Cleopatra], [Empress Wu Zetian], and [Circe]. These are very unique. Some use lust, some use kind words, and some use charm, but all of them were ruthless, powerful women. You should just think of Nari Han as very, very gifted.'
"She does have a very unique charm," I mused, thinking of our meeting. "Just looking at her, it's like you know she's venomous, but you still want to let her bite you. Like a Venus flytrap. It captures its prey with its own intoxicating fragrance, and when you're in the trap, the lid is closed."
'That is a very amazing way to describe her, Host. But she is a very powerful asset.'
"I know," I said with a confident smirk. "That's why she will be one of my Harem members."
'You are growing exponentially. Any other questions?'
"How much currency have I accumulated?"
'You have 10,000 Prayer Coins and 8,500 Fear Coins.'
I was shocked. "How?!"
'Your skill, [Sovereign's Tithe], has helped you to get more coins. Those were earned by the actions of your Harem, Elites, and Army.'
I remembered. The tithe. My kingdom was already paying its dues. "System, is there a potion that can boost every stat by 200 points?"
'Yes, there is. But I suggest you do not use it.'
"Why?"
'The strength you gain by doing your own workout, that is true strength. If you depend on yourself totally on potions, you will not be able to become a true king. A little boost is okay, like the one you used in the beginning, and the ones for Kenji. But depending on these potions is not good, because at the end of the day, they are still artificial.'
I thought about it for a moment. "You're right, though. Then, suggest something yourself. If we don't use any potions, then how can I increase the pace of my Harem and Elites? Time is short."
'I can suggest some active and passive skills that will be beneficial.'
"Tell me."
'Passive skill [Nocturnal Metamorphosis]. This skill transforms the user's sleep from a simple period of rest into a state of accelerated evolution. The body enters a hyper-regenerative and adaptive state, healing wounds and rebuilding itself stronger than before. It is the ultimate tool for rapid growth and recovery.'
'Passive skill [Growth Catalyst]. This skill optimizes the user's body and mind for hyper-efficient growth. It acts as a catalyst for self-improvement, amplifying the results of any training or practice the user undertakes. Every drop of sweat and every moment of focus is maximized.'
'And the active skill [Adaptive Overdrive]. This is a high-risk, high-reward skill that allows the user to push a single aspect of their being to its absolute limit to overcome a specific, immediate challenge. By flooding a chosen attribute with energy, the user can achieve a temporary state of superhuman performance.'
After listening to all this, I didn't hesitate. "Buy all of them."
'Host, the total cost is 3,000 Fear Coins.'
"Okay."
I bought them. "Is there any other buff for the Harem and Elites?"
'For the Harem, there is a buff called [My Queens]. In this, every member of your Harem will receive a unique random skill or passive skill every month, 10 points in every stat every week, and 100 points in every stat end of every month. The price is 3,000 Prayer Coins.'
'For the Elites, there is [Royal Guard]. In this, they will receive 2 points every day in Strength, Agility, and Endurance. The price is 2,000 Prayer Coins.'
"Okay, buy both buffs," I said without a second thought. This was how I would build my army. "Now, next question. How many types of skill vouchers are there?"
'Host, there are only two types: Random Skill Vouchers and Random Passive Skill Vouchers. The price of a Skill Voucher is 100 coins, and a Passive Skill Voucher is 50 coins.'
"Then buy ten Passive Skill Vouchers for 500 Fear Coins and give two vouchers to each of my five Elites."
'Done, Host.'
"And buy five Skill Vouchers and ten Random Skill Vouchers. Distribute them among the Harem members."
'Okay, done. You now have 8,000 Prayer Coins remaining.'
"If I give them a superpower, how will the Elites and Harem use them?"
'You have to intently tell them how they can use them,' the System explained.
I thought for a moment. This might be enough for now. Then, I found two interesting superpowers in the store. [Sovereign's Arsenal] and [King's Omniscience]. I demanded an explanation.
'[Sovereign's Arsenal] is a superpower that costs 3,000 Prayer Coins and requires 50 Mana to activate. This skill, which is both active and passive, is like this: you can copy a skill from yourself, your Harem, or your Elites for a temporary period and load that skill onto yourself, your Elites, or your Harem.'
'[King's Omniscience] is a superpower that costs 2,000 Prayer Coins. In this superpower, you can link your consciousness to one of your target Harem or Elites. You can see and hear what they are seeing in real time only. You cannot control their body; you are just a passenger or a spectator.'
I thought I should buy them. I bought both. Then, I decided to use the new superpower. I activated [King's Omniscience] and chose my target: Isabel.
'[King's Omniscience] activating. Cost: 10 Mana. For a ten-minute link, it will drain 5 Mana,' the System informed me.
"Okay."
In an instant, my consciousness was linked to Isabel's. I saw a mountain of folders open on the table in front of her. Then, I heard her voice, a tired but determined sigh. "Oh, God. This is so tough to manage so many things at one time. I am so tired, but I promised Adam I would give my best. I should."
I thought, She's doing so much. After a few more moments, I cut the link. "It's amazing," I said to the System.
'I know.'
Then, I thought of using [Sovereign's Arsenal].
'[Sovereign's Arsenal] is not a fun superpower,' the System warned me. 'It is a powerful superpower. Use it with caution. You can only copy one skill from any of them, and only for six hours.'
I thought then that I should not use it now. Afterward, I thought I should sleep. So, I slept.