North Region – Just Outside the Palace Walls*
Nathan staggered out of the dimly lit bar, his coat flapping in the wind, his pockets now heavier with the stolen belongings of the young, drunken soldiers. He smirked to himself but quickly frowned.
*"Damn it,"* he muttered. *"I forgot to ask how to get into the palace."*
The demon within growled in frustration. They had infiltrated the North, but the true prize—the palace—remained just out of reach.
*"I need another soldier,"* Nathan muttered, his eyes scanning the quiet street.
After wandering a while, he spotted a guard seated alone in a small restaurant, enjoying a steaming bowl of soup. Nathan walked in with confidence and approached him.
Without warning, he placed two fingers on the man's forehead and whispered a dark incantation.
*"Tell me… how do I get into the North palace?"*
The soldier blinked, then laughed heartily.
*"You can't, stranger. You want in? You have to attend the Academy first."*
Nathan's face darkened.
*"Impossible…"* he whispered. His powers hadn't worked.
*"He resisted me? No… my strength… it's fading."*
His hands trembled. His host—Nathan—was reaching his limit.
*"I need to recharge,"* the demon hissed.
He left the restaurant and walked down a narrow, hidden path near the walls of the palace. The shadows welcomed him. There, he waited.
Soon enough, a young man in scholar robes hurried past, likely on his way home from a late study session.
Too slow.
Nathan lunged.
The scholar barely screamed before the demon grabbed him and drained the life from his body. The boy turned to dust, carried away by the wind.
Rejuvenated, Nathan's eyes flared with dark light.
*"Much better."*
He returned to the streets and quickly found another guard exiting the barracks. Without hesitation, he grabbed the man from behind and hissed:
*"How do I get into the North palace?"*
This time, the magic took hold. The guard's eyes glazed over.
*"Only the top ten from the Hive Military Academy are granted access,"* the guard murmured robotically.
*"But… sometimes special servants or royal messengers are let in. You'd need an emblem… the mark of the royal house."*
Nathan smiled slowly.
*"Then I guess it's time I become… special."*
The guard, still under Nathan's spell, stared blankly as Nathan leaned in.
*"Is there anyone *close* to the palace now… someone I can use?"*
The guard nodded slowly.
*"Yes… Jonah. He just returned from the Academy. Top of his class. The palace has already begun assigning him special duties."*
Nathan's eyes narrowed with interest.
*"Where can I find this Jonah?"*
*"After the A-Market… take the path to the right. His house is easy to spot. There's a large 'N' carved into the door. For ' Noble … his family name."*
Nathan smirked.
*"Perfect. You've been helpful."*
He released the guard, who slumped forward, disoriented. Nathan disappeared into the night.
*"Time to meet Jonah."*
Later that day, Nathan stood at the doorstep of a modest but well-kept home, its wooden door carved with a large *"N"* — just as the soldier had described.
*"Hmmm… nice,"* Nathan muttered, then knocked twice.
After a moment, the door creaked open and a warm-faced woman appeared.
*"Good day, ma'am,"* Nathan said smoothly. *"Is Jonah home?"*
She squinted slightly. *"And who are you?"*
*"An old friend from the Academy. We trained together."*
Her face lit up. *"Oh! That's lovely. Come in, come in."*
Nathan stepped in as she called over her shoulder, *"Jonah! Your friend is here!"*
From the hallway, Jonah appeared, confused. *"Friend?"*
Before Jonah could say another word, Nathan stepped forward and wrapped him in a firm hug. *"I can make you powerful,"* he whispered in Jonah's ear. *"More powerful than any noble. Just let me in…"*
Something shifted in Jonah's eyes. His body tensed, then relaxed.
In that moment, the *Prince of Deception* entered him.
A dark shimmer passed briefly through Jonah's gaze before he smiled.
*"My friend, sir — welcome,"* Jonah said, now fully possessed. Nathan, now soulless and empty,
stood quietly behind him, a shell.
*"Mum, Dad — meet Nathan,"* Jonah continued. *"An old friend. We'll be in my room catching up."*
His mother, unaware of the change, smiled kindly. *"That's fine, dear. Just don't forget dinner."*
*"Of course, Mum,"* Jonah said with a grin. He took Nathan by the arm and led him into the house, the door closing quietly behind them.