Ling Ke put on a full formal suit.
Before this night, he had been so thin, as if a passing breeze could knock him over.
But now, after the rhythm had been restored, he had regained his health.
Better than ever.
Ruling over the Theater, he had deliberately assigned himself a comfortable bedroom. At this moment, he was standing before a full-length mirror that had just been moved in, carefully adjusting his new evening outfit.
He hadn't worn a tie before.
Because there had never been an occasion that required one.
But tonight, he was going to show his most perfect self in front of all the "guests."
So—no shyness, no mistakes.
Be elegant!
For that reason, even if it was something he hadn't been good at in the past, he had to study hard now.
Fortunately, after becoming the Herrscher of Domination for the thousand of this era, his learning capacity seemed to have multiplied a thousandfold.
After all, a thousand brains were working at once.
Converted like that, the knowledge and skills that once took two or three years to master could now be achieved in a single day.
From this point of view, in terms of "innovation," perhaps he was far inferior to those great geniuses.
But his learning ability was second to none.
And with this specialty, he had made plans—firmly set on enriching himself in every possible way going forward.
Medicine, geography, astronomy, history, social interaction, art… He would learn it all.
This intangible wealth could continuously enhance every aspect of his literacy.
Even enough to allow him to be reborn, once again.
Then it would be proven—he who possesses the brain of the Law is the ultimate terror.
Of course, that was for the epilogue.
For now, what he focused most on was…
"Welcome… No, the tone was a bit too light."
"Welcome, everyone… Hmm, that wording's a little long?"
"Don't look down when you speak."
"Keep your spine straight and your chest up—that's how to show presence."
"Your pace must be refined, too."
In front of the full-length mirror, Ling Ke quickly learned how to tie a tie.
There was a smile on his face, and a sense of anticipation that was unmistakable.
He was rehearsing for himself.
Heh.
He really had gone mad.
No matter how rich his facial expressions may be—windows to the soul—even now, those tainted eyes may never recover their original focus again.
Ten minutes later.
Ling Ke raised his hands like a conductor before an orchestra, and within his Theater of Domination, another luxurious hall opened.
Long tables, thick carpets, candlelight.
Dressed in formal wear, he walked toward the entrance of the grand dining room.
At that moment, several spatial gates opened.
"What the hell are you trying to do?"
"I'm just a scientist, damn it!"
"No, please, don't kill me!"
…
From every spatial gate, several individuals Ling Ke considered "familiar faces" were forced forward under the cold gaze of the many "Domina Dolls · Ambi."
They stumbled in, begging for mercy.
One of them was short.
Edwig Iwen.
Forced into bandages by a Domina Doll.
And like the others, she was dressed in formal attire.
Moments later, finally—
Creak~
Another spatial door opened, and Edwig—now in a wheelchair—was pushed into the room by a Domina Doll Ambi.
At that moment, she had blonde hair and wore a white dress.
The hem fell naturally—but something hidden from the eyes of outsiders: she had lost her legs.
Edwig's face had turned deathly pale.
Her body trembled violently.
And then—
"Welcome to the Theater of Domination!"
Standing alone at the entrance of the hall, Ling Ke smiled gently and gracefully, like a seasoned host, bowing slightly and gesturing with open arms.
This scene, he had rehearsed countless times.
He held deep "respect" for these guests.
After all, it was thanks to them that he had become who he was today.
Now—
"The 'dinner' is served. It is my honor to personally entertain you."
"And, at the same time, thank you sincerely for your willingness to attend tonight's banquet."
Ling Ke smiled as he spoke.
Several of the "guests" exchanged glances.
Were they really willing to be here?
Obviously not.
卍!
Not far off, several "Domina Dolls · Ambi" held swords, intentionally or otherwise.
Well then… naturally, they were willing.
Seeing how all the guests were so well-versed in etiquette, Ling smirked to the side, stepped away from the doorway, and extended his arm toward the hall.
"Please—go right ahead."
A simple sentence, spoken without force.
But no one dared refuse.
Not long after, the guests entered the dining hall one by one and sat in their assigned seats.
Ling Ke moved to the seat of honor—but did not sit down.
Even then, those "guests" were still left wondering.
None of them recognized the polite young man standing before them.
However, suddenly, Edwig glanced at Ling Ke's profile—and inexplicably, she made a connection.
"!!!"
Her whole body trembled even more violently.
She instantly understood the other's true purpose.
But before she could speak, he said:
"Actually, today I feel as though I'm about to 'graduate.'"
Ling let out a soft laugh. "You are the first group of 'guests' I've ever invited."
"You're also my most 'respected mentors.'"
"Yes—over these past few years, you've taught me so much here at this special school called the West Asia Branch."
As he spoke, he picked up a glass of red wine.
He walked slowly, first to Dr. Antonio's side. "You—guided others with conviction…"
Then to Dr. Egas. "You—chased truth without fame or fortune…"
Then to Dr. Moniz. "You—held to principle…"
Then to the West Asia Branch Director. "You—sought to empower the weak…"
"Și…"
At last, he stopped beside Edwig, who was visibly terrified. "You—had a heart that was once kind…"
Her breathing turned shallow.
As Ling Ke moved, he continued speaking: "You all taught me that these virtues, in this world…"
"Are completely unnecessary."
He returned to the throne.
Edwig, seated just to his left.
"I—"
"Please, don't interrupt, Miss Edwig."
Ling Ke smiled and turned his head, cutting her off gently.
He placed the wine glass down, and, seemingly without interest in drinking it, began walking slowly along the long table again—his face still carrying that professional host's smile.
"To repay all of you for answering my questions over the years, I've prepared a series of short performances."
"I believe tonight's show will surely be unforgettable for every single one of you…"
With that, he raised his hand and clapped.
That motion acted like a command.
The doors of the dining hall opened again.
Everyone turned to look.
They saw maid after maid, all with silvery hair and red eyes, entering one by one.
They were wearing new in-game character templates Ling Ke had just designed.
[Game Character Template: Lina]
[From: "Jue · District · Zero"]
[Character Traits: HP system, stamina-free system, unbreakable gear, electric affinity, support skills, character switching…]
[Game Skills: Normal Attack – Beat the Fool; Normal Attack – Chase the Idiot; Dodge – Smooth the Skirt; Dash Attack – Sudden Fright; Counter-Dodge – Soul-Shattering Bomb…]
[Background Talent: Superior Physique…]
[Character Bio: Full name: Alexandrina Sabastian. Member of the Victoria Band… A professional maid employed by "Victoria Housekeeping." An expert in cleaning—be it filth or enemies.]
A group of "Domina Dolls · Lina" each carried a covered silver tray. Some walked, others floated gracefully in mid-air.
That was Lina's unique movement style.
They placed the trays gently in front of each "guest."
No more, no less—three trays per person.
After placing the dishes, the maids did not leave.
On the contrary, five of them stayed standing behind the five main "guests."
At the head seat, Ling Ke smiled and said:
"Now begins the first short program."
"Please choose your meals for the evening."
"Of course, I won't insult your intelligence with blind box tricks or mock surprises."
"That would be unethical."
He raised his right hand and pointed at one of the trays. "There's still time to choose after seeing what's inside."
"If you feel the quantity is lacking, or you're still hungry, you're free to request… as much as you need."
"Then—first course."
He snapped his fingers.
The maids to the side giggled softly and lifted the first lids.
In the next moment—
Chiii~ Chiii~
"!!!"
Several "guests" felt an immediate surge of bile.
They instinctively covered their mouths, nearly vomiting.
But in the presence of the current Ling Ke, they dared not do it.
Because in front of them…
Lay a plate overflowing with cockroaches.
Each one extracted segment by segment—just like Edwig's legs had been.
Still squirming. Still alive.